Controlling Cholesterol For Dummies

by Carol Ann Rinzler, Martin W. Graf

You probably know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, and that a heart attack is the most common form of heart disease. But did you know that a significant risk factor for a heart attack is high cholesterol? Controlling cholesterol levels is a vital part of healthy living—and it’s easier than you might think to keep your cholesterol within safe boundaries, reduce your risk of heart attack, and improve your odds for a long, healthy life. If your doctor has told you that you need to get your cholesterol in check, if you are concerned about all the fuss surrounding high cholesterol, or if you’re simply a health-conscious individual, Controlling Cholesterol For Dummies is the book of choice for you. Filled with effective solutions for managing cholesterol levels, from following a low-fat diet to choosing an exercise regimen, this friendly guide is a must-have for: You’ll discover how to build a cholesterol-lowering diet, shed pounds the healthy way, make your weight-loss menus marvelous, and keep track of calories without confusion. Controlling Cholesterol For Dummies also reveals: Featuring ten important cholesterol Web sites, ten nutrition Web sites, the truth behind common cholesterol myths, and a handy nutrition chart for several hundred everyday foods, Controlling Cholesterol For Dummies offers reasonable, moderate strategies to help you reach your goal. You won’t turn into an anti-cholesterol fanatic—you’ll simply gain the knowledge you need to lower your cholesterol levels and keep them that way!

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference

360 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2002

Reviews

[Dawn Livingston · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is so much information here that it's overwhelming. If you're like me and also need to watch your carbohydrates and calorie intake... it can also be confusing to the point you don't know what to eat, and if any of it will taste worth eating.

I'm not sure I can recommend this as a person's first introduction to controlling cholesterol. I recommend a family doctor or a nutritionist/dietician. Then maybe something that doesn't have quite so much information. Start with a medical professional. See what books or websites they recommend and go from there. Then, maybe this book. But not this exact book, it's from 2008 and nutritional information, etc. tends to change every few years. Get a book that's as recent as possible. There probably is a more recent copy of this book, so get that one if you feel ready. In the right hands, at the right time, this book could be very helpful. And it might be something worth buying so that you can refer back to it when you want/need to.

[Yolanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend this book to anyone with high Cholesterol. Easy to understand the science of how the body makes Cholesterol and the difference between good and bad Cholesterol.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tons of easy-to-understand information about controlling cholesterol, plus a bunch of great resources for learning more.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview but overdue for an updated edition.

[Yayati Ashvapati · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great use of resources, enlisting of good sites for guides, and informative charts on food, fruits, vegetables and exercise (calories burnt)

[Dylan Chua · Rating 3 out of 5]

As usual, I always go to a 'For Dummies' book when I have some topic or subject I wanna learn more about. It was a comprehensive primer to cholesterol and how it works in our body, how to control it, what affects it and tons of information and links to useful information.

However, some chapters felt a bit too long, especially the chapters explaining how cholesterol works, which were really tedious and hard to relate to. I am the type who likes to read someone from front to back (probably not how you should read a 'For Dummies' book, I know), and the actionable and more relevant parts (what foods to eat, how medicines work to lower cholesterol) were in the 2nd half of the book. And even then, there were nothing too insightful that I haven't read before.

It's still useful and a recommended read for anyone trying to control their cholesterol, but it could do with a bit more focus and trim.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so, I have high cholesterol. Well, maybe not anymore, but blood work last January showed elevated LDL levels. So, I've been working to lower my LDL and found this book at the library. I actually really liked it because it was much more scientific than other "diet" books. It explained a lot of the chemistry and biology behind cholesterol and fats in the blood and explained why and how different foods can help lower or raise different types of cholesterol and triglycerides. This book also did a good job explaining what the different types of cholesterols and fat in your blood actually do to your body.

There's also an interesting section on supplements and prescription medications that help explain how different drugs help to lower or raise cholesterol and triglycerides when diet and exercise aren't enough. I also liked this book because it gave lots of good references for recipes, websites, nutritional information, etc. I feel like I've made several positive changes in my life since I had my blood work done last January, but this book inspired me to do just a little more. I'm surprised that I had a high LDL level, considering I lead a fairly active lifestyle and eat relatively well, but also realize that hereditary is a factor as well. Now I just need to get my levels tested again and see if my improvements have paid off.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of good advice.

[Diane V-R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive / Easy Read

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative. Every chapter had great info and tips for helping control my cholesterol. Every chapter was written out well, yet still very easy to understand.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good notes, but could ave easier info on better foods to obtain.

[Dianna Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book. must resd

[Ben Kellermann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need to get your cholesterol in check? You’ll find the latest information about cholesterol, including treatments, drug information, and dietary advice, in Controlling Cholesterol For Dummies, 2nd Edition, an easy-to-understand guide to cholesterol control. You’ll learn how to lower your numbers and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. You’ll also find out how to eat and exercise properly, use vitamins and supplements, and quit unhealthy habits.

You’ll find out cholesterol’s positive functions and why too much can be a bad thing. You can also assess your cholesterol risk by taking your age, sex, ethnicity, and family history into consideration. Find out what you need to ask your doctor about stress tests, ECBT, and angiograms to check for plaque buildup. Design a cholesterol-crushing diet and understand which foods can help you lower your numbers. Find out how smoking, alcohol, exercise, excess weight, supplements, and prescription medications affect your cholesterol levels. Find out how to:

Assess your cholesterol risk
Understand the benefits and risks associated with cholesterol
Design and adhere to a cholesterol-lowering diet
Avoid dangerous drugs
Reduce your risk of heart attack
Choose fats and fibers correctly
Check for plaque buildup

Complete with lists of ten important cholesterol websites, ten nutrition websites, ten cholesterol myths, ten landmarks in cholesterol history, ten foods that raise your cholesterol, and ten foods that lower your cholesterol, Controlling Cholesterol For Dummies, 2nd Edition will help keep your cholesterol levels under control for good!

**

[Leew49]

Useful information presented in a straightforward and entertaining format. Includes website addresses and a comprehensive summary of nutritional data on many foods. The only caveat I would offer is that the book was published in 2002, and there may have been any number of scientific advances since then.