nutrition BY JEN MARSHALL, CNT


cholesterol J


COUNTER FOCUS ON ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS FOR A HEALTHY HEART


ust when you thought you understood cholesterol— HDL is good, LDL is bad—it turns out it’s not quite that simple. Cholesterol molecules perform many important functions: Tey fight


infections, facilitate memory and nerve transmission, and act as a structural membrane component for cells. However, most of the cholesterol you need is made naturally in your liver; and your body knows when to make less cholesterol to counterbalance what you get from foods. New research and testing methods now identify two


types of LDL: big, fluffy particles (harmless) and small, dense particles tiny enough to penetrate the blood vessel


lining and become oxidized. Tese particles alone don’t cause heart disease; chronic inflammation, oxidation, and stress also weaken the cells lining the inside of your blood vessels. Cholesterol acts as a repair patch to the damaged areas, which protects them in the short term but can lead to future problems, including arterial plaque buildup. If inflammation continues, plaque can break off, forming a dangerous blood clot. As their name implies, antioxidants prevent cholesterol


from oxidizing, thereby dampening the entire inflammatory process. Enjoy these five antioxidant superstars to improve cholesterol function and reduce chronic inflammation. ➻


november 2013 | deliciousliving.com 39


GEORGE DOYLE / THINKSTOCK


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