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Not All Cholesterol is Bad
Although there is a lot of talk about high cholesterol and the need to lower it in the news today, many people are surprised to learn that there are actually two kinds of cholesterol and one of them is actually good for your body.
In order to understand how to better handle your cholesterol, it’s important to understand the difference between the kind of cholesterol your body needs and the kind that puts you at risk for serious health conditions.
Cholesterol is a natural substance that is found in everyone’s bloodstream and cells.
The body uses it to produce cell membranes as well as hormones in addition to performing a number of other necessary bodily functions. The problem begins when the body begins to build up too much cholesterol. This can happen in one of two ways ...
What is Blood Cholesterol & Dietary Cholesterol
First, the body naturally produces its own cholesterol in order to aid with the important body functions just mentioned. This type of cholesterol is called blood cholesterol.
The remainder of the cholesterol comes from the foods we ingest, mainly meats, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and milk. This is known as dietary cholesterol.
Vegetables and plant products do not produce cholesterol.
Foods that contain trans-fats and saturated fats cause the body to produce even more cholesterol.
This is the reason why it is so important to limit your daily intake of saturated fats.
Lipoproteins & Lipids
Because cholesterol resembles a fat like substance (definition of a Lipid), it can’t dissolve and must be transported by carrier molecules of protein called apoproteins, from to and from the cells where it combines to form lipoproteins.
The term "Total Cholesterol" refers to the combined amounts of both LDL and HDL cholesterol.
Under normal circumstances, the bloodstream does a very efficient job of carrying the LDL and HDL Lipoproteins throughout the body.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance that presents itself naturally in cell walls and membranes everywhere in your body. Your body uses cholesterol to produce many hormones.
“It also uses it to produce vitamin D and the bile acids that help to digest fat.”
Where problems arise is when there is an over abundance of cholesterol in your bloodstream.
There are Three Types of Lipoproteins:
1. Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL) 2. Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) 3. High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
Low-density lipoprotein is what is most commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. When your body contains too much LDL cholesterol, a tremendous strain is placed on your heart, making you more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes.
High-density lipoprotein, on the other hand, is naturally manufactured by the body and works in the body’s defense - hence it is known as good cholesterol. The high density of protein in HDL cholesterol enables it to absorb more cholesterol and carry it through your system without depositing it on the artery walls.
There is a third lipoprotein called VLDL ( very-low-density lipoprotein ) are converted to LDL after delivering triglycerides (another type of fatty substance in the blood) to fat tissue and the muscles. High levels ( more than 300 mg /dL) of triglycerides are another risk factor that can lead to atherosclerosis.
The cholesterol deposited by the LDL leads to a narrowing of the blood vessels.
If this occurs, the excess can be deposited in the arteries of the heart which could result in stroke or heart disease.
“This is called atherosclerosis ... … this is why LDL is known as “bad cholesterol.”
HDL usually collects the bad cholesterol and takes it back to the liver.
Ideal Cholesterol Readings
Cholesterol levels normally fall into one of three ranges.
Individuals who fall into the borderline and high risk categories are more susceptible for heart attacks and strokes. It’s important to keep in mind that these numbers are just a guide.
Risk Factors - Heart Disease
Individuals who are at risk for heart disease due to other factors, may be at a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes with lower cholesterol levels.
Risk factors for heart disease include:
It is generally perceived that individuals who suffer from weight issues have a tendency to have higher cholesterol levels, but the truth is that an individual whose weight falls within the optimal range can just as easily have high cholesterol.
Good Health - Cholesterol Lowering Lifestyle
Even if you don’t have high cholesterol, it’s a good idea to engage in a healthy lifestyle to insure that your cholesterol levels remain within the acceptable range.
This includes making sure you get plenty of exercise and eating a sensible diet.
Studies indicate that even children are now developing problems with high cholesterol, especially if there is a family history of heart disease.
Start by eating foods that are low in saturated fats, exercising a half-hour to an hour each day and steering away from tobacco products.
How to Lower Cholesterol
For individuals who already have high cholesterol, engaging in a healthy regimen of exercise and a nutritious diet can go a long way towards lowering your cholesterol.
However in some cases it is necessary to take medication in order to lower cholesterol levels.
To help reduce your overall risk for heart disease make sure you have your cholesterol levels and blood pressure checked regularly, maintain a healthy weight by getting an adequate amount of physical activity and eating a low fat diet, avoid tobacco and limit your alcohol intake.
To find out more about cholesterol take a look at our frequently updated cholesterol articles.
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