Everything Regarding Cholesterol & What You Must Have To Know
Cholesterol is Essential. Cholesterol is a wax like substance that is similar to fat, not soluble and is necessary for a good deal of your body's metabolic processes and also to help your body use vitamin D. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream and is stay in body cells. It plays an important role in construction the cell walls in heart, liver, brain, nerves, skin and muscles.
The body naturally produces in the region of 75% of all cholesterol, with consumed foodstuff responsible for the remaining 25%. Your body actually needs cholesterol, but can make enough of it's own, without any aid from the foodstuff you consume.
Cholesterol is specified in three ways:
1. LDL- Meaning Low Density Lipoproteins - This is known as 'bad' cholesterol and is responsible for clogging our arteries when there is high levels in our bloodstream.
2. HDL-Meaning High Density Lipoproteins - This is 'good' cholesterol. Good since it assists to eliminate excess cholesterol from our cells including the arteries.
3. VLDL-Meaning Very Low Density Lipoproteins
Arteries and veins are the conduits for blood motion and this function can be done effectively only if they are flexible and unobstructed. LDL can cause atherosclerosis (also known as arteriosclerotic vascular disease or ASVD) which is condition that hardens and narrows the arteries as a result of the creation of plaque. This condition is probably one of the major causes for heart attack and stroke. Alternatively, the HDL helps in preventing the built up of plaque on the walls of the arteries.
Cholesterol Tests
As with everything else, there is a satisfactory range even for the bad cholesterol.
Each person over 20 years of age, should test cholesterol levels at least every five years.
The way this is done is by a cholesterol blood test called as a lipid panel or lipid profile.
Prior to the test you cannot eat for at least 9 hours, if possible 12 hours. The test will then find out the levels of Total,LDL and HDL Cholesterol along with the quantities of triglycerides in your blood. The measurement is taken in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl).
Total cholesterol is a combination of LDL, HDL AND VLDL. It is better if your Total cholesterol is lower than 200
LDL levels should be below 100
In men a HDL level less than 40 is deemed to be a risk issue for cardiovascular disease as is a level under 50 for women
Triglycerides are the most general types of fat found in your body. Levels in excess of 150 can mean increased risk of heart disease and stroke. More than 200 level and your doctor will be dealing with you very severely.
Cholesterol Management
You most definitely do not need to eat food that has cholesterol. Along with the cholesterol in foodstuff comes saturated fats. Once again a major cause of heart disease. Cholesterol comes from eggs and animal products, specially meat and dairy products, not from fruit and vegetables.
Saturated fats can be eliminated by avoiding :
* Full Fat Dairy Produce
* Fatty Meats
* Deep fried food
* Cakes etc.
* Meat that has been processed
There is no need to cut out dairy foods, in fact it's not at all good for you if you do, but you certainly need to go for low or 0% fat.
This article is meant only for information, if you believe you have high cholesterol levels, then please visit your doctor for testing. As I mentioned earlier, you should actually schedule regular cholesterol checks anyway.
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It is important for women to know what good cholesterol levels for women will be for their bodies. Watching your cholesterol has become something that many people are now accustomed to doing.
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Critical Suggestions To Reduce Cholesterol And Improve Health
High levels of cholesterol in the body causes blockages in heart. Anyone can lower cholesterol and it can be achieved by consuming a well balanced diet.
Eliminating Your Risks Associated With High Cholesterol
When instructed to follow a dietary regime to lower your cholesterol it is important to research good cholesterol foods. There are two types of cholesterol: High Density Lipoproteins and Low Density Lipoproteins.
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