Your Body, Your Health

Heart Disease & Cholesterol

What is Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular Disease, or CVD, is a general term referring to all diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Coronary Heart Disease, or CHD, is the number one killer in the U.S. with over 500,000 deaths per year. Over seven million people in the U.S. have some form of CHD which makes it the most prevalent cause of cardiovascular health problems.

CHD results when the arteries that supply blood to the heart thicken and become narrow or clogged with fatty substances like cholesterol. Two common results of this clogging are stroke and heart attacks.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy lipid (or fat) produced by the body and found in the foods we eat. Cholesterol is essential to cell membranes, hormones, and proper nerve function, but too much can cause problems. Cholesterol is carried in the blood by little “packages” called lipoproteins. Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) carry cholesterol to the sites and tissues that require it, but excess LDL can be deposited in arteries. High Density Lipoproteins or HDL is considered the “good” cholesterol because it takes the unused cholesterol back to the liver to be recycled. Higher levels of HDL vs. LDL are associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.

There are many risk factors for heart disease, including some we can’t control such as age, gender, and genetics. The good news is that we can control and change behaviors which will reduce many risk factors, particularly when it comes to diet, smoking and exercise.

Quitting smoking and keeping a reasonable level of physical fitness will provide immediate and long-term health benefits (your physician should be consulted before starting any exercise regimen). As for diet, eating right can significantly improve cholesterol levels and overall health, and Hodgson Mill’s whole grain products can help, especially as a heart-healthy alternative to fatty foods. A low-fat diet in combination with an appropriate exercise regimen can also reduce other health risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stress.

How Hodgson Mill Can Help

Hodgson Mill food products focus on whole grains, unlike many commercial food products that are made from refined or processed flours. Whole grain products are generally lower in calories and higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and naturally contain no cholesterol. Hodgson Mill also produces the highest quality Milled Flax Seed, and includes it as an ingredient in many of our foods. Flax has been shown to help many disease conditions, and can be especially good for the heart because of its Omega-3 oils, which studies have shown may help lower cholesterol and contribute to cardiovascular health. Even better, flax is delicious, adding a nutty flavor to your favorite cereals, baked goods, or prepared recipes.

Hodgson Mill wants to help you on your journey to health. When it comes to diet and lifestyle changes, it is important to remember that change will not happen overnight. Start with foods and recipes you enjoy and modify them to be lower in fat and cholesterol, and check with your doctor or a professional dietitian for advice on developing life-long healthy eating habits.

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.