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CHOLESTEROL--GOOD & BAD
by Deborah Jenton
http://www.dghealth.com
Cholesterol is a fat-like waxy substance produced by the
liver. Although most people know about cholesterol
associated with health risks, there is also an important
function of cholesterol, needed by the body. In fact, each
cell of the body is formed to a certain degree from
cholesterol. However, when a person's level of bad
cholesterol is too high, health risks exist. On the other
hand, cholesterol maintained at the right level aids by
building and repairing cells, producing estrogen and
testosterone, and making bile acids that help with the
digestion of fat.
All of our cells within our bodies are formed from
cholesterol and helps to rebuild our cells also.
Estrogen and testosterone are produced by cholesterol as
well as produces the bile acids the liver needs to digest
and get rid of fat. Too much cholesterol in our bodies is
not good though and will cause build up within the body
which raises our risk of heart disease.
Eating too much saturated fat such as animal based foods l
ike dairy, meat, and eggs will cause the bad cholesterol to
rise within our bodies. Many of us know this also, but were
raised to eat such foods and habits are hard to break,
especially the bad ones. It may take time and persistence to
break these habits, but with time and patience with
ourselves, we can re-learn to eat more healthy foods such as
fish, high in good fat, fresh vegetables, and fruits to get
ourselves healthy.
For instance, cholesterol is broken down by low-density
lipoprotein or LDL, which is the bad kind of cholesterol
and high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, the good kind. The
good news with cholesterol is that for every 1% you lower
it, the risk of heart attack and/or stroke is reduced by
2%. Although genetics play some role in high cholesterol,
which cannot be controlled, other factors are under your
control.
For instance, one of the most important things you can do
to improve your health associated with cholesterol is to
keep your weight under control. Carrying excessive weight
around will increase the level of bad cholesterol.
Additionally, the foods you put in your body are important.
For instance, when shopping for cooking oils, always choose
vegetable or unsaturated oils, staying away from anything
with saturated fat.
Then, add exercise into your daily life. Just 30 minutes a
day can have a huge impact on your cholesterol levels and
ultimately, your health. Finally, have your cholesterol
level checked by your doctor three to four times a year.
As soon as you discover the levels are too high, you can
take immediate action to correct the problem. However, a
few simple changes will reduce the level of bad
cholesterol, thus reducing health risks substantially.
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