Our bodies create cholesterol in order to keep us healthy. Some cholesterol is created within us while other cholesterol is ingested when you eat. If you think about it, cholesterol isn’t all bad.
Heart disease, heart attacks and strokes are often associated with cholesterol; however, there is good and bad cholesterol. If the levels aren’t within the norms, the above results often happen.
Cholesterol is a soft substance that is wax like. Cholesterol can be found in the cells and bloodstream. Cholesterol occurs naturally in your system. It is used in the creation of some hormones and cell membranes. Risks involved with high cholesterol are extremely dangerous.
Cholesterol is created by the body and consumed through food. Food is responsible for about 25% of the cholesterol in the body. The cells and liver create the rest.
LDL, or bad cholesterol, causes strokes, heart attacks and heart diseases. These issues are caused by cholesterol causing your arteries to clog up.
Genetics play a role in your cholesterol levels. Your body may create too much LDL because of your genetics. The foods you eat that have high quantities of trans or saturated fats will raise your cholesterol levels. If your family has a history of high cholesterol, watching what you eat may not be enough to lower your cholesterol levels.
Your blood cannot absorb cholesterol. Lipoproteins carry cholesterol to and from cells. These lipoproteins are known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL the bad cholesterol. The good cholesterol or lipoproteins are called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. These types of lipids in conjunction with cholesterol and triglycerides are what your cholesterol count is made of.
If there is too much bad cholesterol in your blood it eventually starts to build up in your arteries. When this combines with other substances, plaque forms making the arteries start to harden.
Heart attacks can be prevented by HDL, or good cholesterol. The downside is that if your HDL levels fall below the normal levels, you are placed at higher risk for heart attacks.
There are some common misunderstandings about cholesterol.
The intestines and liver control LDL levels. Diet and exercise will help but will not completely lower the levels to normal range.
Controlling cholesterol levels cannot be done by simply changing from butter to margarine either. Both are high in fat. Saturated and trans fats contribute to bad cholesterol. Making this small change won’t have an effect.
High cholesterol can affect anyone no matter how much you weigh.
If you feel that you need your cholesterol checked, talk to your doctor. They may not suggest it right away but your health is in your hands. Ask to be tested.
No cholesterol foods doesn’t mean that the food is a healthy choice. Make sure to read the label. Many foods that state they are low cholesterol foods actually contain large quantities of saturated or Trans fats.
Taking medicine for high cholesterol without watching what you eat is not enough either.
Most food, like eggs, are good for you. Keep track of cholesterol consumed by all foods during the day.
Men are the only ones who suffer from high cholesterol. The hormone, estrogen, causes your cholesterol levels to rise. High cholesterol in women who are going through menopause is common. Cholesterol levels normally rise with age.
It is wise to start having the levels tested starting in your 20’s. Middle age is not the time to all of a sudden start worrying about it.
Would you like to learn more about foods that lower cholesterol? Read other article at cholesterol diet
Related posts:
- Body Fat – How Is Yours? 'Body fat' is a common term. However, many people link...
- Some Of The Best Antioxidant Foods Antioxidants are getting much notoriety these days. We are told...
- How To Lose Arm Flab By Increasing Blood Flow Are you trying to learn how to lose arm flab?...
- Effective Weight Management Methods Careful planning, patience and sticking to a prescribed routine are...
- Why Is It So Important That I Get Omega 3 Fish Oil In My Diet? More and more everyday omega 3 fish oil is being...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.