Facts About Cholesterol
With all the news and warnings about the dangers of high cholesterol, many people view cholesterol as a “bad” thing that should be completely removed from our lives. In fact, cholesterol plays a key role in the body's immune system. To understand how cholesterol affects the body, one must first understand what cholesterol is.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that attaches to the fat in our blood and is present in all body cells. Cholesterol is derived from the food we eat, as well as direct liver production. Cholesterol is an important regulator of the blood, as it helps regulate the formation of many cells and hormones. However, having too much or too little cholesterol in the blood can be a very dangerous factor, often leading to a heart attack or stroke. Although cholesterol is high in the blood, it cannot be eliminated from the bloodstream. Cholesterol triggers the whole body to absorb lipids (fats).
There are two main types of cholesterol. The first type is called LDL cholesterol, and the other is called HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein, is considered "dangerous" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can form in the walls of blood vessels. Over time this crust builds up blood flow, slows blood circulation and causes stress and heart damage. This raises blood pressure, and eventually leads to heart disease or stroke. People with high levels of LDL are at greater risk of developing heart disease. Although LDL is affected by genes, there are a few precautionary measures that people can take to keep LDL levels safe.
Another type of cholesterol is HDL, or high-density lipoprotein. HDL is considered "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is important for the body to have it, as this type of cholesterol helps to filter out LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, as well as to transport blood fats (triglycerides) to the liver for excretion. It is believed that even having high HDL levels is safe, as it can help protect a person's heart from heart attack or stroke. Low HDL levels can cause heart disease and stroke, however this is not uncommon in people who eat a western diet, which is usually high in both types of cholesterol.
Most of the cholesterol in our bodies comes from the food we eat. High fat diets, especially saturated and trans fats, contribute to high levels of LDL cholesterol. Meat and dairy products are the main sources of LDL cholesterol, while leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts are alternatively nutritious foods with high levels of HDL cholesterol. Although genes play a role in cholesterol levels, dietary modification is a very effective way to lower harmful cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and associated health problems.
Some natural ingredients found in vegetable sterols, fish oil have been shown in many clinical studies to be very effective in promoting healthy cholesterol levels, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, now is the time to make a change, and natural ingredients can help.
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