Cholesterol Information You Need To Know
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is found in every cell of the body.
Most products you find in the grocery stores should have the amount of trans fats indicated on the nutritional information.
It is involved in the production of cell membranes, some hormones, vitamin D, bile acids, and other tissues in the body. It also insulates nerves. Cholesterol is produced in the liver, but we also get cholesterol from our diet.
The amount of cholesterol in the body depends on factors such as the rate of cholesterol production in the liver, the rate of cholesterol clearance from the body, the amount of dietary fat (particularly saturated fat) and to a lesser extent, cholesterol consumed.
Bile, the substance that helps you digest dietary fat has got cholesterol in it.
The excess cholesterol in our body circulates in the bloodstream. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can clog blood vessels and increase the risk fro heart disease and stroke.
A healthy diet means a healthy digestion. Foods that are high in fibre (like whole grain cereals or muesli) will eventually help you lower cholesterol by eliminating the dietary fats.
Different types of Cholesterol
Low-Density Lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol is a bad type of cholesterol that is most likely to clog blood vessels, increasing you risk for heart disease.
High-Density Lipoprotein (or HDL) cholesterol is a good type of cholesterol. HDL cholesterol helps clear the LDL cholesterol out of the blood and reduces your risk for heart disease.
Cholesterol & Heart Disease
High cholesterol is one of the major contributors to heart disease. Research strongly indicates that lowering of cholesterol leads to a drop in the occurrence of heart disease. The main reason for this is because with less blood cholesterol, there is less plaque formation within the arterial walls.
This will reduce the chances or an artery becoming blocked and causing a heart attack or stroke. Also, blood will flow through arteries with greater ease and this can lower blood pressure.
Reasons which lead to a Rise in Cholesterol:
Poor eating habits Smoking Excess weight or Obesity Heredity factor Daily Stress Over Alcohol consumption
Ways to control or lessen Cholesterol:
Good eating habits It is very important to follow good eating habits in order to lower your cholesterol.
Regular exercising
Experts recommend at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week for at least 12 weeks for significant cholesterol reduction.
Avoid trans fats! Not only do they raise the lousy LDL cholesterol, they can also lower your HDL levels! Stay away from foods like margarine, shortening, and processed foods containing partially hydrogenated soybean oil.
Weight loss and maintaining it You can lower your LDL ("bad cholesterol") and elevate your HDL ("good cholesterol") just by dropping some pounds.