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Cholesterol, despite its bad reputation, is a substance that occurs naturally in the body. It is the chemical building block for some essential physiological processes, including the sex hormones. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) contain what is normally known as “good cholesterol". HDL has the important job of transporting fatty acids and cholesterol to the liver for processing and elimination. Think of HDL molecules as brooms which sweep out the free cholesterol molecules from the cells that they come into contact with. As the HDL molecule encounters more cholesterol, it gets larger because it binds free cholesterol to itself.
Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) contain what is normally known as “bad cholesterol". The differentiation between good and bad is not due to any difference in the chemical structure of the cholesterol itself, but due to where the LDLs transport the cholesterol- into the arteries, where the cholesterol ends up as plaque which causes the diameter of the artery so affected to get thinner and may seal it off entirely, causing tissue death from lack of oxygenating blood flow. This is how heart attacks are caused.
To determine the health risks that cholesterol levels pose, blood tests are performed to determine the levels and ratio of HDL and LDL in the individual’s blood. This ratio of HDL to LDL is just as critical as the actual cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Some of this is genetically programmed, but there is much that the knowledgeable person can do to lower the overall levels of bad cholesterol, and to keep a healthy ratio of HDL to LDL. A healthy level of HDL is considered to be over 60 mg/dL. This level has been shown to protect against strokes and heart attacks because there are plenty of high-density lipoproteins transporting cholesterol molecules safely to the liver. Lower levels of HDL (below 40 mg/dL for men, below 50 mg/dL for women) are a potential risk factor for heart attack and stroke, and should be considered a read flag. LDL levels should be less than 100 mg/dL, in order to be considered at zero risk for cardiovascular disease. 130 to 159 mg/dL is a borderline reading, and anything over 160 mg/dL puts you in the high risk category for stroke and heart attack.
There are many ways that you can lower your cholesterol levels, especially the level of LDL. The major way to get cholesterol under control is to change your diet. Cut way back on the carbohydrates, as fructose, especially the high-fructose corn syrup that is found in many different foods actually stimulates the secretion of the low and very low density lipoproteins that are dangerous to your health.
If you are overweight, lose weight by controlling the refined sugars and fats in your diet and exercising properly. Include high-fiber foods in your diet, such as oatmeal, nuts, and raw fruits and vegetables. Fish oil gel caps are a good supplement, as they contain Omega 3 oils that protect the heart and blood vessels.
To learn more about cholesterol, it's dangers and how to lower your cholesterol numbers naturally, please visit Lower My Cholesterol Naturally
» left by Paul Blake from Lake Elsinore, CA (1 year 237 days ago.)
Patricia, I highly recomend the book "The Cholesterol Myths" written by a PhD in medicine by the way. Professor Ravnskov spells it out in detail the evidence from the studies proving that we have been misled for money. That high cholesterol is not dangerous and not one study conducted proved that it was. Many are being killed and injured by these drugs for no good reason other then greed. Also over 70 other PhD’s in the field have signed on agreeing with his findings." Also read the book "The Great Cholesterol Com" by Anthony Colpo. Respond to this comment
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on 1/4/2008 7:41:56 PM. View other articles written byPatricia Zelkovsky(3,787)
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