Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Drink This in the A.M. for Better Cholesterol

http://www.thedailygreen.com/cm/thedailygreen/images/FI/orange-juice-potassium-lg.jpg

Orange juice isn't just a sweet breakfast treat. Pouring yourself a tall glass every morning might be a good way to help control cholesterol, too.

That's exactly what happened in a recent study. People with high cholesterol who were put on a diet rich in orange juice saw their LDL cholesterol drop 12 percent after just 2 months.

Artery-Shielding Flavonoids

The people in the recent study drank a significant amount of orange juice -- four 8-ounce
glasses a day. Way more calories and carbs than most of us could -- or should -- add to our diets. But the study does help underpin other research showing that OJ -- even in smaller amounts -- does good things for the heart and arteries. Seems the flavonoids in the juice inhibit an enzyme thought to boost LDL production. Those same flavonoids also appear to enhance the liver's ability to excrete extra LDL through bile. (Think you might have high cholesterol? Find out whether you're at risk.)

Well-Rounded Cholesterol Control

Limiting your blood levels of bad cholesterol is a heart-healthy choice because too much artery-
clogging cholesterol will pad blood vessels and set the stage for dangerous blockages. But, of course, no one should rely solely on their OJ intake to curb bad cholesterol levels. Getting good control requires a multifaceted approach that includes exercise, an overall healthy diet, and, possibly, weight loss.

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