Cholesterol Isn't Just About The Food You Eat

By Haman Oakley

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.

As stated previously, cholesterol is produced by your body and consumed through food. 25% of the cholesterol in your body comes from the food you eat. The rest of it is produced by your liver and other cells.

LDL, or bad cholesterol, causes strokes, heart attacks and heart diseases. These issues are caused by cholesterol causing your arteries to clog up.

The bad cholesterol is manufactured by your body. There is a chance of inheriting genes that cause your body to produce much LDL. If you eat foods that contain saturated fats, or trans fats, your cholesterol level will increase. Having a family history of high cholesterol may not help to keep the levels low enough even if you make changes to your lifestyle.

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.

Good cholesterol, or HDL, is thought to protect your heart from heart attacks. If these levels are too low, your risk for a heart attack increases.

Many people hold to common beliefs in regards to cholesterol.

Some believe that exercise and diet are what control cholesterol levels. These two do affect the good cholesterol in your body; however, the bad cholesterol levels are controlled by your liver and intestines.

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.

Your weight has nothing to do with cholesterol levels either.

Your health is in your hands. Ask your doctor about being tested if you are concerned.

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.

Just because you take medication for high cholesterol, doesn't mean that you don't need to watch what you eat.

Most food, like eggs, are good for you. Keep track of cholesterol consumed by all foods during the day.

High cholesterol is not just a mans problem. Estrogen that is taken during menopause can actually increase your cholesterol levels. These levels increase naturally with age as well.

Have your cholesterol levels checked starting in your 20's. If you wait until you are middle aged, it might be to late. - 32002

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