Cholesterol Isn’t Just About The Food You Eat
Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Cholesterol is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Cholesterol can be good or bad for us. Since our body produces most of our cholesterol, it can’t all be bad. The rest of the cholesterol in us comes in the form of food consumption.
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.
As stated before, cholesterol is completely normal. It is used to produce cells and hormones. Since cholesterol is a somewhat waxy, soft substance found in your bloodstream, if there is too much present, it puts you at higher risk for some illnesses.
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.
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.
Many people hold to common beliefs in regards to cholesterol.
Exercise and diet alone do not affect bad cholesterol. Your liver and intestines are in charge of creating bad cholesterol so diet and exercise do not help regulate it.
Substituting margarine for butter can help control my cholesterol levels. They are both high in fat so use them sparingly. Remember that when it comes to cholesterol levels saturated and Trans fats are what affect it. So, switching to margarine may not be enough to lower your cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol can affect anyone no matter how much you weigh.
Ultimately, you are responsible for your health. If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, ask your doctor if they believe it should be tested.
Most food that is low in cholesterol is more than likely going to be high in fat. Read the food labels before buying it.
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.
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.
Would you like to learn more about how to lower cholesterol? Read other article at cholesterol diet
categories: cholesterol,diet,foods,treatment,eating,exercise
Possible Related Posts
Lowering Cholesterol Through Eating RightHow To Lower Cholesterol Through Your DietReduce cholesterol, Obesity and Improve your Sexual Health