The typical impression of women and their eating habits as perpetrated by the media is that they will attempt one fad diet after another in order to lose weight. In fact, increasing numbers of women are watching what they eat in an effort to be healthy rather than as a result of any obsession with weight loss. One of the reasons for this has been the substantial amount of scientific research which has been carried out into the harmful effects of high blood cholesterol levels in the body. This point requires further clarification, as there are actually two very different types of cholesterol. The first of the two is known as low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is a form of fat which builds up over time and attaches itself to the walls of the arteries leading to the heart. The second type of cholesterol actually performs a very important role in the body, and is called high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. It combats the effect of LDL cholesterol by removing it to the liver, which is where is was first produced. HDL cholesterol therefore ultimately helps a great deal to maintain normal cholesterol. The effect of having too high LDL levels is that the arteries become narrowed and blood flow is restricted. This is known as atherosclerosis, and if left untreated can lead to advanced heart disease and probable cardiac arrest. Excess LDL cholesterol levels is typically caused by eating foods which have a high saturated fat content. By switching to a low fat diet it is possible to reduce the amount of LDL in the system, and therefore to lessen its effects. Five ways a low fat diet can improve your health Changing to a low fat diet can improve your health in more ways. Here are at least five ways: 1. A low fat diet is a natural way to get back to normal cholesterol levels. There are prescription medications that you can take in order to but as long as you continue to eat what you have always consumed then you are not going to change your cholesterol levels accept for what your medication does for you. 2. Changing the way that you prepare foods or try new foods will give you new tastes to try and it will create new tastes that you may not be used to. If you have always been the type that likes fried meat and potatoes, maybe you are willing to mix it up a little and try your meat grilled and your potatoes roasted with a dash of olive oil. 3. A low fat diet can decrease your chances of developing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. These conditions are more common today and it may be avoided if you start by changing your diet. 4. With a low fat diet you are sure to get your balanced nutritional needs such as your vegetables, meat, dairy, and breads. These are vital in maintaining your health, in addition to maintaining normal cholesterol levels. Start snacking on fruits instead of potato chips. 5. Improve the things you may take for granted such as your eye sight, skin, and hair. If you have an unhealthy diet then chances are you are going to have unhealthy looking hair and skin. Your skin may be dried or you may find that your hair breaks easily or shows split ends.]more information