An article written by Lindsey Tanner of the Associated Press, on 11/5/03 stated:

“Treatment scrubs plaque from arteries, study shows….” A small study in Chicago found weekly intravenous doses of “good” cholesterol; high-density lipoproteins (HDL) reduced patient arterial plaque buildup in just five weeks. “The concept is like liquid Drano for the coronary arteries,” said Dr. Steven Nissen, as Cleveland Clinic cardiologist who led the study and had considered ‘its hypothesis so improbable that he gave it a one in 10, 000 chance of succeeding.’ This study used laboratory produced high-density lipoproteins, (HDL) the ‘good cholesterol’ to do the work.

HDL cholesterol is no mystery drug; it is formed in the intestine and liver. HDL normally contains 20-30 percent of the body’s total cholesterol and HDL levels are inversely correlated with coronary heart disease risk. HDL plays an important role in reversing cholesterol transport by removals of cholesterol from cells and transporting it back to the liver. By removing excess cholesterol from the circulation, HDL may provide a protective mechanism against the development of atherosclerosis.

The current form of treatment for high cholesterol is drug therapy. However, there are alternatives heart disease, also referred to Coronary Artery Disease, (CAD) which is due to poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, hypertension, stroke, and elevated levels of low-density lipoproteins, LDL or other chemical agents such as cigarettes. When plaque has built up in the lining of the arteries, a reduction in the diameter occurs blood flow is reduced. Arteriosclerosis is a condition that develops from the hardening from the plaque build up and a loss of the elasticity of the walls of the blood vessels especially the arteries. Atherosclerosis is a form of arteriosclerosis. The inner layers of artery walls are made thick and irregular by the deposits of fatty substances attaching themselves to the walls.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that travels through our blood in distinct particles. These particles are called lipoproteins. Cholesterol levels in a person are determined by a variety of factors, exercise, diet, body fat, and stress. The three major classes of lipoproteins are, low-density lipoproteins, (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins, (HDL) and lastly the very, low-lipoproteins, (VLDL). Our body produces cholesterol, as do animals. That is why the urge to cut back on animal products when you have elevated cholesterol readings.

LDL cholesterol is the major carrier of cholesterol in the blood stream. It contains 60-70 percent of the body’s total serum cholesterol and is directly correlated with the risk for coronary heart disease. LDL plays a vital role in atherogenesis, the early stages of atherosclerosis.

VLDL is the major carrier of triglycerides in the plasma. Triglycerides once thought not to be very important has shown to a be a major risk factor for Atherosclerosis. VLDL makes up 10-15 percent of the body’s total serum cholesterol. Increased amounts of VLDL are associated with a variety of lipoprotein disorders such as hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, diabetes, and nephrotic syndrome.

Lipid response to exercise training of sufficient volume generally increases HDL cholesterol and lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides by a number of mechanisms, including reduced body fat stores and increased lipoproteins lipase activity. Most studies prove exercise improved lipid profiles have involved subjects with relatively normal blood lips. Good results can be found with fat weight reduction, which is required for the most favorable blood lipid response for those who have elevated total and LDL cholesterol.

Blood triglycerides frequently decrease with exercise training depending on volume of exercise. Triglycerides generally decrease immediately after a session of high volume endurance exercise greater to 50-60 minutes of sustained effort and remain lower for several days after the session. The intensity, duration and frequency should be 40-60 minutes 4-5 times a week.

Blood is roughly 60-70 percent of our body with 30 percent matter. If we clean up our blood, then our tissues, organs and muscles will become cleaner and healthier. What can we do to clean our blood? We can make daily choices in what we put into our body. Green vegetables provide a nutrient rich food source, low in sugar, providing vitamins, minerals, fiber, chlorophyll, enzymes, phytonurtients and alkaline salt. When choosing a variety of vegetables, think Green! Green leaf vegetables, broccoli, spinach, asparagus, kale and greens prove to be a vital source of life and energy for us. Green vegetables contain chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has a molecular structure and chemical components that is very similar to our own blood. Chlorophyll helps the blood cells deliver oxygen throughout the body. It also aids in the reduction of the binding carcinogens to DNA in the liver and other organs.

Vegetables, especially green vegetables are incredibly nutrient-dense. Fiber from vegetables acts like a sponge, cleaning up our blood. Wheat grass contains more than one hundred food elements; B-complex, vitamin A, K, C and E. Complex vegetables are the good carbohydrates. Phytonurtients help prevent cancer, lower cholesterol, and aid in the relief of arthritis and osteoporosis. Vegetables are also rich in enzymes that are need in every chemical activity in the human body.

The American Heart Association reported in 1998 that heart disease is still the leading cause of death around the world. A report by the AHA in 1999 said that 1.5 million Americans would have a new or recurrent heart attack. One out of 3 will cause death; two out of 5 Americans will suffer from heart disease. With statistics this staggering, is there anything we can do to change our course of life? Instead of checking into your local hospital for intravenous dose of ‘good’ cholesterol, try instead 3-5 servings a day of green vegetables to clean your blood, tissues, organs and muscles. Add exercise to your daily regime. Check with your doctor first prior to starting any new exercise program.