It has been widely established in the medical field that high serum cholesterol is a predisposing factor to diseases, especially coronary artery disease. Taking control of one's cholesterol levels can reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall health ...but you've got to keep that cholesterol in check.
Now there's a natural dietary supplement available to help reduce serum cholesterol levels without a doctor's prescription. The product is Cholestene, made with red yeast rice, and the company behind it, HPF of Hatboro, PA, says it is effective, safe, and available over the counter.
the fat on cholesterol
Chemically speaking, cholesterol is a lipid. Most of it is made by the liver from a wide variety of foods, but especially from saturated fats. However, some cholesterol is absorbed directly from cholesterol-rich foods, such as eggs and dairy products. The level of cholesterol in the blood is directly influenced by diet and heredity. High blood cholesterol increases the risk of atherosclerosis (accumulation of fatty tissue on the inner lining of arteries, or hardening of the arteries), and with it the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke.
In her book Chinese Red Yeast Rice, Rita Elkins, M.H., cites data showing that more than 35 million Americans have a total serum cholesterol count over 240, which puts them at risk for cardiovascular disease. "Interestingly," she adds, "even if your cholesterol count falls in the range of 200-239, as it does for over 55 million people, your risk of heart disease is double that of individuals whose cholesterol levels are below 200."
