There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low-density lipoproteins), also known as the “bad cholesterol”, and HDL (high-density lipoproteins) known as the “good cholesterol”.

***LDL cholesterol limits blood flow and causes plaque to build up on your arteries, leading to atherosclerosis². This dramatically increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and fatty liver disease ³. High LDL cholesterol levels are a result of a diet high in saturated and trans fats⁴.

HDL cholesterol is healthy because it carries LDL cholesterol away from the arteries and into the liver, where it can be broken down and flushed from the body⁵.

The liver is relevant for cholesterol levels for two reasons. The first reason is that most of the cholesterol is actually produced in the liver. The second reason is that one important function of the liver is to clear out the bad cholesterol. This is why a healthy liver is vital in managing your cholesterol levels.

Amsety, a company located in Carlsbad, California has introduced the first nutrition bar for liver health. Those with liver conditions have a difficult time getting the right vitamins and nutrients, and when they do, they may have to sacrifice taste. It is also quite difficult to get all the nutrients you need without getting too many calories or too much fat.

This is why it was so important for Amsety to develop a nutrition bar that was full of vitamins and minerals, but also tastes delicious. Amsety Bars are very low in sodium, gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian, non GMO, organic and contain no refined sugars!

Amsety Bars can be your go to for a low cholesterol diet. Both of the flavors have 0 grams of trans fat and 0mg of cholesterol!.

Shop here for the product that 98% of physicians would recommend for a healthy liver diet.

Amsety has introduced the first nutrition bar including the Super 16 Vitamin & Mineral Mix. Amsety Bars were created specifically to meet the dietary requirements of individuals with liver conditions and support liver health. Find out more about why 98% of physicians would recommend Amsety Bars for healthy liver diet.

High cholesterol can be caused by genetics, diet, obesity, or a combination of these factors⁶. Learn how to control your cholesterol levels through healthy lifestyle changes.

The right diet to manage cholesterol levels

All cholesterol in food comes from animal or animal by-products, like meat, eggs, and dairy⁷. Cholesterol levels in food do not translate exactly into blood cholesterol levels, although some people respond more directly to cholesterol in food. In healthy adults, 300mg of cholesterol is the recommended daily limit, while individuals at higher risk should limit cholesterol to 200mg per day⁸. For reference, one egg, a high cholesterol food, contains 186mg of cholesterol.

Foods that helps lower LDL cholesterol include: whole wheat bread, vegetables, fruits, beans or lentils, salmon, tofu, olive oil, pistachios, walnuts, almonds, avocados, and dark chocolate. Did you know that moderate amounts of dark chocolate may benefit liver health? Find out how.

Also check out Amsety’s recipes that are prepared by San Diego Chef Chad Kilgore for a healthy liver diet!

Weight management and cholesterol levels

Being overweight increases LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol). However, losing weight can lower LDL and even increase HDL cholesterol levels (the “good” cholesterol). Thus, maintaining a healthy weight is enormously beneficial for stabilizing cholesterol.

Suzanne Steinbaum, M.D., Director at the Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, emphasizes the importance of long term goals when switching to a healthy lifestyle. Often fad diets lead to a crash and are non sustainable, therefore it is a slow but steady race.

Exercise and cholesterol levels

Exercising can lower LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and boost HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) levels. Plus, exercise assists in healthy weight loss. Aim for 150 minutes of exercise per week, or approximately 30 minutes a day most days of the week. Elevate your heart rate! Choose sports you enjoy or start with brisk walks.

Smoking and cholesterol levels

The habit of smoking has numerous negative effects on your body, such as higher cholesterol levels. Quitting smoking can decrease your cholesterol by as much as 10%. This also decreases the likelihood of having heart disease. Those with high cholesterol, heart disease and lung cancer are advised that the best thing they can do to be healthier is to quit smoking. According to Medical Daily, there are several other benefits to quitting smoking such as clearer skin, brighter smile, and better hearing.

How do you know if you have high cholesterol? There are often no symptoms. However, cholesterol levels can easily be checked with a blood test. Consult your doctor if you believe you are at risk of high cholesterol.