Cholesterol is a Lipid (fatty substance) and alcohol/steroid that is vital for body function. Cholesterol is made in the liver, but also present in some food.
Cholesterol is carried in the blood by proteins which combine to form lipoproteins. They form as harmful Lipoproteins ( LDL) or protective Lipoproteins (HDL) or commonly known as bad and good Cholesterol.
LDL = Low Density Lipoprotein = Bad Cholesterol
LDL carries Cholesterol from your Liver tio the cells that need it. If there is too much Cholesterol for the cells to use it builds up in the artery walls, which can lead to disease.
HDL = High Density Lipoprotein = Good Cholesterol
HDL carries Cholesterol away from the cells and back to the Liver where it is broken down or passed out of the body as waste.
High Cholesterol can cause a build up in the artery wall which will restrict blood to the heart, brain and body. This can increases the risk of narrowing of the arteries, heart attack, stroke and blood clots.
Causes of High Cholesterol
Excessive Saturated fats in diet -Red Meat, Cheese, Milk, Butter
Smoking - Acrolein stops HDL (good cholesterol) transporting to the Liver
Diabetes - High Blood pressure
Family history - risk can be passed on
Menopause
Ageing
Low activity
Excessive consumption of Alcohol
Under active Thyroid Gland
Kidney probs
Cholesterol levels
Total Cholesterol should be below 5
LDL (bad) Cholesterol should be kept under 3
HDL (good) Cholesterol should be kept under 1
Reducing Cholesterol
Need to lower the intake of Saturated fats and increase the intake of HDL (eg porridge, oat meal, fish and omega 3, walnuts ,almonds and olive oil)
Do regular exercise
stop smoking
reduce alcohol consumption
It is best to try and reduce Cholesterol by diet and lifestyle changes, but if the levels are very high
a Dr may prescribe Statins.Like any medication they can have side effects.
Hope this helps explain the ins and outs of Cholesterol.
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