[FirdausByte] What is Cholesterol? by Rose Dalemont

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood stream. It is used in the development of cells for hormones. It is not all bad. Our bodies need cholesterol to function properly. When there is a large amount of saturated fat in our bodies the liver will turn this fat into cholesterol. This built-up of plaque in our bodies is dangerous. By consuming as much foods for good cholesterol as we can we will be able to eliminate or prevent excessive amounts of saturated fats in our bodies. Cholesterol is of two types H.D.L (good cholesterol). L.D.L (bad cholesterol). Cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood stream. 75% of the cholesterol in our bodies is produced by the liver. The remaining 25% is taken from the food we eat. It is important that we watch our diet particularly as we grow older. If there is too high a percentage of bad cholesterol we get a build-up of plaque and hardening in our arteries. This can lead to heart attack, stroke, hypertension and even diabetes.
H.D.L does this
1) Gets rid of L.D.L from the arteries
2) Keeps the cell walls free from blockage
3) Helps to produce vitamin
4) Takes the L.D.L from the cells to the liver where they are
reduced.
Cholesterol is used by the body to make estrogen, testosterone and vitamin D. To help in lowering cholesterol concentrate on unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are found in good cholesterol foods such as canola and olive oils, peanut, pumpkin seeds, avocados, almonds and hazelnut. The major problem with cholesterol in the blood is the mix of fats in your diet. Try to keep your LDL low and your HDL high. This prevents heart disease and other chronic conditions. Good cholesterol in fact protects the heart. Because fats and cholesterol do not dissolve in the blood the body must find a way to rid itself of the excess.
Not everyone has the same level of cholesterol. Sometimes children develop high levels of cholesterol. Oftimes this is hereditary but in many cases their diet contribute to the high level of cholesterol. In this modern age where time is limited, individuals substitute a diet of fast food for home-cooked meals. Fast food is high in saturated fat and this causes a high level of bad cholesterol. This modern generation has not acquired a taste for good cholesterol foods which are basically plant-based and constitutes a combination of fruits and vegetables. Children can avoid high blood pressure and heart disease if they keep their blood cholesterol at a normal level. When we look at cholesterol certain facts must be taken into consideration. Age, sex and family history all play a part in our level of cholesterol.
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes in addition to high cholesterol you are at a greater risk of heart disease. If you eat lots of food rich in trans fat and saturated fat your cholesterol level will be increased. With increasing age and overweight, cholesterol levels tend to rise. Women more often than not have a higher level of HDL than men. When there is a high fat diet and lack of exercise, the body finds it difficult to use cholesterol in the best way to help the individual.
Cholesterol is lowered by correct diet and exercise. Cholesterol is mostly found in animal fat. Lovers of red meat will find that this raises an already high level of cholesterol. This is why it is beneficial to use good cholesterol foods to ward off attacks of chronic diseases.
Oils with good cholesterol should form a great part of your diet. Fish which contain large amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids should be consumed at least twice weekly. Avoid fried fish. This elevates bad cholesterol and contributes to weight gain. Broil or bake fish often. Any trained practitioner can administer a test to determine the amount of cholesterol in our bodies. A percentage of 160 or more in LDL is high. A percentage of 40 or below in HDL is low. Something must be done. This is a health risk. It is time to monitor your diet.

About the Author

Hi, I am Rose Dalemont.One of my hobbies is preparing healthy meals. For years I have done this and family and friends have always come back for more. I have manage to maintain my cholesterol at a level acceptable to health care professionals. For the secrets to keeping your cholesterol level low to enjoying a long and healthy life go to http://Good cholesterol foods.weebly.com