Fish offer a number of health benefits. Large, fatty fish like salmon, which eat smaller fish, contain omega-3 fatty acids that have a number of cardiovascular benefits.

Fish oil is considered beneficial for many health conditions, but it's only proven effective for one -- lowering triglycerides. Triglycerides and cholesterol are linked and often lowering one has an effect on the other.

The statins, also known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, are prescription medications used along with diet and exercise to lower cholesterol. The statins include Lipitor (atorvastatin), Crestor (rosuvastatin), Lescol (fluvastatin), Mevacor or Altoprev (lovastatin), Zocor (simvastatin) and Pravachol (pravastatin).

The International Normalized Ratio, or INR, gauges the effectiveness of blood thinning medication such as warfarin. People that are at high risk of blood clot formation, such as those that have suffered heart attacks or strokes, need an INR of about 2.5 to 3.5. However, people with an INR of 2.0 to 3.

Nitrates may be well-known for their presence in processed meats, but you probably get more nitrates from vegetables than from eating bacon or bologna. You may lower the amount of nitrates when you cook vegetables, but it depends on how you cook them. Reheating vegetables, however, has little effect on nitrate content.

Progesterone is a hormone in both men and women that is converted into testosterone and estrogen. According to MayoClinic.com, progesterone levels typically drop with age and affect testosterone production. At the same time, estrogen levels rise in older men, creating a hormone imbalance.

Lipitor (atorvastatin) is a cholesterol-lowering medication prescribed in dosages between 10 to 80 mg daily, depending on the patient. It lowers the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (“bad cholesterol”) to help combat heart disease by blocking an enzyme that the liver produces while making cholesterol.

Crab meat and other shellfish were once considered taboo if you were watching your cholesterol. Fortunately, that is no longer the case. Crabs, like all sources of meat, contain cholesterol. However, as long as you don’t overindulge, they can be a healthy option.

Thyroid stimulating hormone, usually abbreviated TSH, is manufactured by the pituitary gland. Release of TSH stimulates the thyroid to make T3 and T4, the hormones responsible for thyroid function. If the thyroid stops functioning, TSH levels rise as the body attempts to “force” the thyroid to produce hormones.

Cortisol is a stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Overproduction of this hormone can lead to many problems including weight gain, muscle loss, nervous eating and anxiety. Herbs that naturally combat stress hormone production are known as adaptogens.

Your lipid profile is an overall assessment of your cardiac health. It consists of four numbers reflective of the amount of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels of your blood.

Breast enlargement pills contain a proprietary blend of ingredients that are specific to the manufacturer. With each ingredient comes the potential for side effects.