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.

No Comments »

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URL

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website