Cholesterol is actually a crucial substance in the body. Cholesterol is the backbone for all other steroidal hormones such as estrogens, progesterone, DHEA, Cortisol,and testosterone. Thus, issues of sexual dysfunction and hormonal imbalance are often increased by our efforts to reduce cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is necessary for fat metabolism and for proper brain function and neurotransmitter activity (such as serotonin - the "feel good" brain chemical). Decreased cholesterol and a low fat diet are strongly correlated with Alzheimer's disease. Cholesterol is also an important part of every cell membrane. It makes cell membranes elastic and pliable. Without enough cholesterol, cell membranes become rigid and more likely to crack and leak. Decreased cholesterol can therefore impact the function of every cell in the body and therefore every process in the body.

If you would like to see the research for yourself, I highly recommend the book The Cholesterol Myths by Uffe Ravnskov, MD, PhD. He provides a thorough account of numerous cholesterol studies, illustrating how the conclusions drawn from these studies are questionable and, in some cases, completely contrary to what the data show. Follow this link to see a short list of some facts about cholesterol and the human body.

More on The Cholesterol Myths

Vitamin C complex, with its rutin and flavonoids intact, is critical to the strength, integrity, and proper elasticity of blood vessel walls. Studies have linked low blood levels of vitamin C to weakness, tearing and chronic inflammation of arterial walls, and to an increased risk of heart attack.

Deficiencies of B vitamins are related to hardening of arteries, the degree of plaque buildup, and diminished nerve function that adversely affects the vessels' ability to constrict and dilate appropriately. Taking a good quality B vitamin may be important for many people. Even more important is looking at factors that deplete the body of B vitamins. The main culprit is refined food - primarily white sugar and white flour.

Other vitamins like vitamin A & D, plant phytochemicals such as flavonoids, co-enzymes such as coenzyme Q-10, and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, selenium, copper, zinc and others are crucial elements in protecting blood vessels and cardiac muscle. Coenzyme Q-10 specifically is essential for production and transportation of energy in the heart. Co-Q10 is depleted by cholesterol lowering drugs.

Before we think about supplementing with these nutrients, it is first important to change dietary habits that deplete the body of these essential, heart-saving nutrients. In the simplest terms this means eating whole un-adulterated foods as much as possible, and eating processed food (white flour and sugar, refined oils, and highly processed food products) as little as possible. Coronary artery disease is half as frequent in people with high intakes of fresh fruits and vegetables.

More on Nutrition for Your Heart

The herb hawthorn is the premier cardiac tonic. It strengthens the contraction of the heart muscle, normalizes blood pressure, increases vascular integrity, and prevents free- radical damage. Hawthorn is also anti-inflammatory - addressing heart disease at its very source.

My Sweet Heart-Ease Tea is made of hawthorn and the sweet green leaf of stevia. Whole stevia leaf is believed to aid in blood-sugar regulation and to have an anti-hypertensive action. It adds a sweet taste and, unlike refined sweeteners, is safe for most diabetics.

Sweet Heart-Ease Tea