How often have you heard talk about the dangers concerning cholesterol? No doubt more often than not! Alongside other regularly mentioned conditions such as high blood pressure and thyroid problems, there is a lot of emphasis on maintaining cholesterol health. What is cholesterol, what is the difference between good and bad cholesterol and what can you do to look after your cholesterol levels? We help to answer these questions so you are better equipped to keep yourself in good health.

Cholesterol Health – What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty-like substance that is produced mainly by the liver and taken from the fatty foods we eat. This fatty-like substance is in fact in integral part of the functioning of our body; it is when these levels go in excess that problems can occur.

Cholesterol Health – ‘good’ versus ‘bad’ cholesterol

Cholesterol plays a variety of important functions from building cell membranes, helping to produce bile, allows our cells to be flexible and fluid across large temperature ranges and is an integral part of healthy conception. As mentioned previously, it is when high levels of cholesterol occur that physical ailments can start occurring. Having elevated levels of this fatty-like substance, known as hyperlipidemia, in our bloods increases our chances of suffering from a stroke or heart attack. These high levels can also result in blocked arteries, which can lead to a condition known as atherosclerosis.

In order for this fatty-like substance, known as lipids, to be transported around the body it needs to be carried around through our blood stream by lipoproteins. There are two groups; low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is potentially seen as the ‘bad’ cholesterol as this is the cholesterol that is taken from the liver to the cells that require it. If there is too much a build up can occur in the arteries. HDL on the other hand carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it is passed through body as waste or broken down. This is thought to be ‘good’ cholesterol. So essentially, lower levels of LDL and higher levels of HDL are desired.

Cholesterol Health – What should you eat?

Cholesterol is found in many of the foods we eat from a day to day basis. This includes eggs, diary products, meat and poultry. Fish general has limited levels of cholesterol; however shell fish on the other hand has high levels. All plant foods contain no cholesterol and these will include fruit, vegetables, grains, cereals, nuts and seeds. You can begin to understand why everyone places so much emphasis on the goods and fruit and vegetables.

Remember that do not judge a foods cholesterol content by their fat content as this is not an accurate measurement to go by – liver for example contains no fat but is in fact high in cholesterol.

Looking after your cholesterol health is important to ensure your arteries and blood circulation does not become affected. High cholesterol is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular problems, so start now and adopt a healthier lifestyle that your body will love you for.