Bad Cholesterol - What Makes It Bad?
Cholesterol is often referred categorized as either being good cholesterol or bad cholesterol. However, have you ever taken the time to find out why cholesterol is described this way and what the actual difference is between the two types?
Cholesterol - What is It?
Cholesterol is an important component in our body that is found in the blood stream and cells. The body needs cholesterol in order to properly function because it contributes to a wide variety of hormones and helps the body to produce cell membranes.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol is carried in the blood stream. HDL cholesterol is considered good because it protects our heart from strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. The optimal level of good cholesterol is about 40mg/dL.
On the other hand, bad cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is considered bad because if present in excessive quantities has a tendency to clog in the arteries which increases the chances of heat attacks or other heart related diseases. The optimal level of bad cholesterol is 200mg/dL or less. Higher amounts tend to increase the chance of heart problems.
Controlling Bad Cholesterol
There are a plethora of cholesterol drugs available and many natural remedies as well. However, it is strongly suggested that you approach any treatment using drugs with caution because many of the cholesterol drugs have serious side effects. Make sure your doctor thoroughly explains the potential side effects before you agree to start on a regiment that involves the taking of any drug.
You see, cholesterol is produced in the liver and one very important point to remember about statin drugs (i.e. drugs used to control cholesterol) is that they in essence, poison the liver so that it produces less cholesterol, which is why all advertisements that promote statin drugs mention that a liver test is required before getting started on statin drugs.
Hopefully, you have normal levels of both good and bad cholesterol and if you do you will clearly want to maintain that proper balance. Steps you can follow to keep your cholesterol in balance is the same as it is for overall optimal health: exercise and proper diet. Health eating includes consuming foods that are low in saturated and trans fat.
Get in the habit of reading food labels as they are required to provide the above mentioned data by law and therefore it's much easier for you to choose food that is healthy and food that can lead to poor health and improper cholesterol levels.
Although the following food (i.e. egg yolks, poultry, meat, shellfish, butter and cheese) contains what has been determined as high levels of cholesterol it doesn't mean that you need to totally avoid them. Simply eat them in moderation and you should be fine.
Take the time to learn a few of the basics about what constitutes both good cholesterol and bad cholesterol levels, monitor your food intake, get a reasonable amount of exercise (i.e. walking is great) and you'll be well on your way to overall health and optimum cholesterol levels.
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Cholesterol Causes and Home Remedy and Diet Tips to Maintain Cholesterol Level
Cholesterol is one of the essential ingredients of the body and is generally produced in the liver. However, about twenty to thirty per cent generally comes from the food we eat. It is measured in milligrams per 100 millimeters of blood. The normal level of cholesterol varies between 150 - 200 mg per 100 ml. In blood, cholesterol occurs in combination with certain lipids (fats), hence, known as lipoproteins.
How To Lower Your Cholesterol Naturally
Cholesterol is one of many health topics that can be confusing, and most people just want to understand the bottom line of how they can lower cholesterol to improve their health. Before considering how to lower your cholesterol naturally, let us first look at what cholesterol is and why too much is a problem.
The Difference Between HDL and LDL Cholesterol
There is a soft waxy substance found in fats that are in the blood stream and all of your bodies cells, it is called cholesterol It is used to form cell membranes, hormones, and needed for other things, that's why it is an important part of the health of your body
Change Your Diet to Change Your Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a soft way substance found in all parts of the human body Some of the cholesterol is produced by the body and some of it comes from the food you eat
How High Should Your Cholesterol Levels Be?
A 2007 report from the Women's Health Study showed that high levels of cholesterol, even in healthy women, was a risk factor that increased a woman's chances of having a stroke. Other studies have shown a link between high levels of cholesterol and Alzheimer's disease. And the media has been warning us for years to cut down our intake of cholesterol because high cholesterol leads to hardening of the arteries. But what is cholesterol and why is it even it our bodies?
MayoClinic.com Feature Focuses on High Blood Cholesterol
Cholesterol, which is found in every cell of the body, is used to build healthy cells, as well as some vital hormones. An individual who has high blood cholesterol may develop fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits can clog arteries and reduce blood flow. As a result, the heart may not get enough oxygen-rich blood, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Decreased blood flow to the brain can cause a stroke ().
Cholesterol Normal Levels
When it comes to heart health, cholesterol plays a serious role. High levels of cholesterol in the blood is a significant risk factor with coronary heart disease and stroke. That should be enough reason to find out your cholesterol level and if any kind of corrective action should be taken. This section should help you determine the range considered normal levels of cholesterol.
