What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is made primarily in the liver and can be found in certain foods. It is important for proper bodily functions such as hormone production, fat digestion, and production of vitamin D. However because of the food sources cholesterol comes from (animal foods such as dairy, eggs, and meat), many people tend to take in too much cholesterol, which can be dangerous and unhealthy.
Why is HIGH cholesterol bad?
When too much is present in the body it will build up in the arteries, narrowing the space for blood flow. Compromised blood flow leads to heart disease.
Types of cholesterol
Cholesterol comes in three different types, or categories. Cholesterol travels with protein in the blood and together is called a lipoprotein. Based on the cholesterol-pro
tein ratio, the lipoproteins are considered low density (LDL), high density (HDL), or very low density (VLDL). The higher the density, the more "good" it is considered. For instance, if a person is low in HDL levels, there is a greater risk of heart disease.
In a diet with excess sugar, calories, or alcohol, these things will be converted into triglycerides. A triglyceride is another type of fat that is carried by VLDL in the blood. A high triglyceride level has been shown to have a direct correlation to heart disease as well.
How to know your cholesterol level and how to help it...
A simple blood test will show a breakdown of the various lipoprotein levels in the body, which can be discussed with your primary physician. There are many things that affect cholesterol levels such as heredity, age, and gender, but there are ways to dramatically change cholesterol levels such as with diet and exercise.
- Choose lean meats and poultry without skin
- Dairy products should be fat-free, 1% fat, or low-fat
- Pick foods with little or no salt, including your own food preparations
- Reduce trans fats in your diet by:
- Prepare foods without saturated and trans fat
- Avoid foods containing partially hydrogenated oils
- Reduce foods and beverages with added sugars (fruit drinks, sodas, sweet tea)
- Watch portion sizes, especially when eating out
- If you do drink alcohol, do it in moderation
- Stop all tobacco products