Atherosclerosis

Question 1

Cholesterol & Atherosclerosis

Answer 1

1. Cell Membrane Integrity
   - protection from toxins, prevent cell dehydration
2. Component of Bile
3. Percursor for Steroid Hormones
   - estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, aldosterone, cortisol
4. Precursor for Vitamin D
   - increase Ca uptake, utilization, retention, anticancer properties, role in immunity
5. Acts as antioxidant when AOs are depleted

Question 2

Reasons for Elevated Cholesterol

Answer 2

• excess sugar, fats
• antiox., vitamin, mineral, and EFA deficiency
• low dietary fibre (to eliminate cholesterol)
• need for increased membrane integrity due to increased toxins, free rads, chronic dehydration
• chronic stress - cortisol is a stress management hormone
• low thyroid function
• menopause
• overproduction of insulin

Question 3

Dietary Causes of Plaque Formation

Answer 3

• sugar, starches, damaged fatty acids

NOT SATURATED FAT

Question 4

Lifestyle Causes of Plaque Formation

Answer 4

• lack of exercise
• smoking (smokers need 10x Vitamin C)
• type A personality - stress= high BS, high insulin, so high BP

Question 5

Dietary Recommendations for Atherosclerosis

Answer 5

• mediterranean diet
• reduce carbs
• plant-based omega 3/6
• olive oil
• cold water fatty fish
• nuts and seeds
• tomato (cooked - lycopene)