Good Cholesterol Vs Bad Cholesterol - Essential Cholesterol Facts

April 4, 2009

Cholesterol is a biomolecule often called as a lipid or a fat. All animals require cholesterol to build and maintain cell membranes. As it is insoluble in water, its incorporation into cell walls makes the cells waterproof. This is crucial in the functioning of the nerves and nerve cells. In fact, the brain and the nervous system contain the highest concentration of blood cholesterol.

It is important to note that not all cholesterol is bad. In order to measure your cholesterol you may need some home medical supplies to do so. The water-insoluble cholesterol is transported in blood within carriers called as lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are classified into different groups according to their densities. The two major forms of blood cholesterol are High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL).

LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol is referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol. When excess LDL cholesterol circulates in the blood, it tends to deposit on the lining of the arteries. Over a period of time, the hardened deposits form plaque and obstruct the flow of blood in the arteries. If a clot occurs in the heart, a heart attack or stroke can occur.

HDL Cholesterol

HDL cholesterol, widely known as ‘good’ cholesterol is another type of lipoprotein. Researchers believe that HDL is involved in transporting cholesterol away from the arteries back to the liver.

Diet

Dietary intake of cholesterol plays a major role in blood cholesterol management. As much as possible, avoid saturated fats and trans fats that increase LDL cholesterol levels. Instead opt for foods that will lower LDL cholesterol levels. Fiber-rich foods, such as wheat bran, oatmeal, and barley are essential. Consume a lot of beans, pulses, and lentils. Walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds also reduce your blood cholesterol level. Fruits and vegetables, like avocados, apples, strawberries, carrots, shitake mushrooms, root ginger, and garlic have to be incorporated in the diet.

Keep monitoring your cholesterol levels, eat right, and stay heart-healthy!

What is Cholesterol?

March 10, 2009

A tempting burger, or a pizza with extra cheese, or a huge chocolate bar, or big scoops of vanilla ice cream might please your taste buds. But you must know all these foods have too much of cholesterol in them and must be avoided.

So what is cholesterol? It is a type of fat that is found in your blood. This waxy substance is produced by the liver. You can also find it in fatty foods (mostly from animal sources) that you eat. Cholesterol is not a bad thing. It is needed by your body for the following

• To produce vitamin D and some hormones

• To help the growth of brain, skin, and other organs

• To build cell walls

• To produce bile salts that help digest fat.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) are the two important types of cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol away from the liver whereas HDL carries cholesterol to the liver where it can be broken down by bile salts. Of these two, it is LDL cholesterol that is bad for the body. It sticks to the walls of arteries and blood vessel and can block them.

That is why a complete lipid panel, which includes LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels, at least once in a year is important for everyone. It will exactly tell you what your body cholesterol levels are.

Obesity, a family history of cholesterol problems or cardiac diseases, and sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of high cholesterol in your body. Watch what you eat, stay away from foods that have saturated fat, trans fat, and those that are high in cholesterol to maintain a healthy heart and blood vessels. A low cholesterol diet that has higher HDL and lower LDL, and regular exercises will ensure you a long, healthy life. Measure cholesterol levels on a regular basis, stay fit, and live happily.