With all the news and warnings about the dangers of excess fat, many people view cholesterol as a "bad" substance that must be completely eliminated from our lives. In fact, cholesterol performs some important functions in the body. To understand how cholesterol affects the body, one must first understand what cholesterol is.
Cholesterol is a lipid, which is linked to fat in our bloodstream and is present in all cells of the body. Cholesterol is produced directly by the liver, even from the food we eat. Cholesterol is an important regulator of blood flow because it helps control the production of many cells and hormones. However, having high or low cholesterol levels in the blood can be a very dangerous factor, often leading to heart attack or stroke. Although cholesterol is high in the bloodstream, it does not dissolve in the blood. Cholesterol is linked to lipids (fats) throughout the body.
There are two main types of cholesterol. The first type is called LDL cholesterol and the other is called HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, otherwise known as low density lipoprotein, is considered "dangerous" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up in the artery walls. Over time, this plaque formation blocks blood flow, reducing blood flow and causing stress and damage to the heart. It increases blood pressure, eventually leading to heart disease or heart attack. People with high levels of LDL have a higher risk of developing heart disease. Although affected by LDL genetics, there are several precautions that individuals can take to keep their LDL levels safe.
The other form of cholesterol is HDL or high-density lipoprotein. HDL is considered "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is very important for the body because this type of fat helps to filter LDL fat from the lining of the arteries and carries the fat (triglycerides) in the bloodstream to the liver so that it can be excreted from the body. Having high levels of HDL is also believed to be safe because it can help protect one's heart from heart attack or stroke. Low levels of HDL can lead to heart attack and stroke, although it is rare for people to eat a Western-style diet, which is usually higher in both types of fat.
Most of the cholesterol in our body comes from the food we eat. Foods high in fat, especially saturated and trans fats, contribute to high levels of LDL cholesterol. Meat and dairy products are important sources of LDL fat, while leafy vegetables, fruits and nuts are high nutrient substitutes for high levels of HDL fat. While genetics play a role in cholesterol levels, dietary modification is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of dangerous cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease and related health problems.
Some natural ingredients found in vasoconstriction, including plant sterols, fish oils and polyclonal, have been shown to be highly effective in improving healthy cholesterol levels, especially when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. If you are worried about your cholesterol level, now is the time to make the change, and Vasco can help.
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