As a self-employed single woman on a tight budget, I have really crappy insurance.  Pretty much I pay a gagillion dollars a year to hope I don’t actually get sick to have to pay another gagillion dollars in deductibles.  I skipped Obamacare enrollment this year because quite honestly I wanted to see what happened this first year and had a little fear that the whole thing might tank and I’d be in a worse situation next year.  The good news is I’m really healthy and rarely get sick.

Because of my disdain for the entire system, my reluctance to spend money, and my good health, I haven’t had an actual physical in eight years.  I went finally because my insurance company, Humana, hooked me with a competition.  I love games and of course I knew I could win with my obvious good health.  Everyone begins as a bronze and as you earn points for good health you move up in color and get prizes.  The first time I played “the game” that calculates your real age, it calculated me at 49 years old.  (I’m 45, meditate daily, eat 99% vegetarian & 95% healthy, no smoking, no drugs, etc. etc.)  What????

I was outraged.  Apparently, working 60 hours a week ages you.  So, I decided to do something about that problem and now I’m working a nice 35 – 40 hour week.  Last week it was time to play the game again.  I was super excited to test again having conquered workaholism (sort of ).  I just knew Humana would be proud and honor me with gold.  AND I’d been to the doctor for a physical because I lost points last time having not been and had all my numbers from blood work.

Input in.  Results out.  It calculated me at 44.  Apparently reducing your work week, having come off of a vacation, and adding 4 rounds of weight training to your yoga routine only takes 5 years off and only makes you 1 year younger than your actual real age if you have HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL.

I’ve had high cholesterol since my first physical in my 20s.  It’s part of the family and half of my score is the good stuff because I swim in flax oil each morning.  It’s not something I worry about.  But…I love a good challenge and Humana must be run by a psychologist specializing in Pamela Quinn so I am not on the low cholesterol challenge because I WANT TO WIN.  And I’m insulted at being 44 given I am a yogi.

Ayurveda & Cholesterol and why I don’t worry:

It’s important to understand that fat tissue (cholesterol) in itself is not bad, and is actually essential for the body to function properly. So in the ayurvedic perspective, the production of cholesterol does not necessarily need to be lessened, but it needs to be balanced. When the digestion is balanced and healthy, then the body produces the right amount of cholesterol, in the right proportion to nourish the body.  (from MAPI)  So, if you have strong Agni or fire, are of appropriate weight, eating a balanced diet, feel vital and joyful, you don’t have to worry about it and so I don’t.

Back to the Competition I’m hooked into even though it has NOTHING to do with the Ayurvedic perspective…

Here’s what to eat to lower cholesterol.  (I lead with the glass of wine simply because my computer sorted the dated…it’s a depressant at 1 glass/day so don’t go crazy).

Beverages

  • 1 five ounce glass of red wine each day
  • 100 percent cranberry juice (dilute juices in water)
  • 100 percent grape juice
  • 100 percent pomegranate Juice

Beans to Favor

  • All Beans & Lentils (start with 1/4 cup of mung if you are not used to beans)
  • Black beans
  • Soybeans

Dairy

  • Yogurt with live active cultures (add honey if you are Vata)

Fruit

  • Apple
  • Avocados  (calorie dense at over 300 each so go easy if you are Kapha)
  • Banana
  • Blueberries
  • Grapefruit
  • Oranges
  • Peach
  • Pears
  • Plum
  • Raspberries
  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

Grains

  • Barley
  • Oat bran
  • Oatmeal
  • Whole grains

Meat

  • Fish, especially Salmon (not more than 3 servings of meat each week for all doshas)
  • Sardines

Nuts

  • Almonds
  • Pistachios

Supplements

Snacks

  • Dark Chocolate (small serving) over 60% cocoa
  • Olives

Spice & Oil

  • Coriander
  • Garlic
  • Grapeseed Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Sesame Oil (use as skin oil as well.  your skin absorbs the oil)
  • Turmeric

Vegetables

  • Baked Potato with skin
  • Broccoli
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Carrots
  • Edamame (great snack as well)
  • All Other Veggies are good

What NOT to eat

  • Butter
  • Cheese
  • Chicken skin
  • Cookies
  • Egg yolks
  • Fatty meats
  • Fried foods
  • Ice Cream
  • Liver
  • Lobster
  • Most fast food meals
  • Muffins Pastries
  • Whole milk

I hope this is helpful if you are worried about your cholesterol levels and heart health.  The lists are a great place to start.  If you ever want a full flush join The Elemental Cleanse.  I teach in person or enjoy the ecourse. 

Download my FREE ebook for basic routines and diet.

OM, Pamela

*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.