The Basics of Cholesterol
We all hear plenty about cholesterol today, but many of us are still confused about what it is and what we can do about it. To complicate matters further, there is both "good"– which we want to encourage – and "bad"– which we must eliminate. Because a healthy cholesterol level is a significant factor in a healthier lifestyle overall, it is worth a small time investment to learn more about this substance and what we can do to control it.
What is It?
Cholesterol is a substance that is produced in the liver and is used for a variety of useful functions. These functions include protecting cell membranes, assisting nerve cells in transmitting messages and enabling your gall bladder to produce bile acid. It also serves as a building block for vitamin D and certain hormones like estrogen and testosterone. So if cholesterol is so important to our bodies, why do we worry when we have too much? The problem begins when too much gets into the bloodstream and begins to clog up the flow through the arteries. When this happens, the risk of stroke and heart attack becomes elevated and the amount needs to be brought back down to eliminate the risk.
Two Types
There are two different types of cholesterol found in the body. The first, high-density lipoproteins or HDL, is considered "good" cholesterol because it is too dense to enter the bloodstream and is carried out of the body via the liver instead. This is the one that you can afford to have more of, and there are ways to raise a low HDL level. Exercise is one of the best methods; since it will raise the HDL number and help you maintain a healthy weight at the same time. Kicking the smoking habit can also raise the HDL level.
The second type of cholesterol is known as low-density lipoprotein or LDL. This is the cholesterol that can stick to artery walls, clogging up the blood flow and increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. LDL is the cholesterol you want less of, and you can lower this number with a diet high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat and low in saturated and trans fat. In cases where the number is very high, your doctor may recommend medication until the level gets back down to the normal range.
Knowing your cholesterol level can make a significant difference in your ability to manage your health. The different numbers and types may be somewhat confusing, but it doesn't take long to learn the basics of cholesterol so that you can take control of your health and your quality of life. Online Car Auctions
Weight Loss & Dieting Videos
Weight Loss & Dieting News
Women can adopt the wine diet for faster weight loss - eYugoslavia.com11 Mar 2010 at 6:51am
Reuters
Women can adopt the wine diet for faster weight loss
eYugoslavia.com
The note says that drinking three to four hours before you sleep reduces you chances of weight gain and insomnia as compared to drinking just before you hit ...
Middle-Aged Women Who Drink Moderately Gain Less WeightJoinTogether.org
Of wine, women and weight lossMinnPost.com (blog)
Women can win battle of the ...
Feds raid office of doctor suspected in illicit weight-loss treatment - Seatt...
10 Mar 2010 at 7:52pm
Feds raid office of doctor suspected in illicit weight-loss treatment
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Referring to himself as a "Weight-Loss Doctor," the licensed naturopathic doctor is alleged to have offered to sell the drugs through a pair of Web sites, ...
and more »
Weight Loss Challenge pays - Agoura Hills Acorn
10 Mar 2010 at 8:29pm
Castanet.net
Weight Loss Challenge pays
Agoura Hills Acorn
The Weight Loss Challenge teaches residents how to lose weight in a stress-free, fun environment. Participants receive nutrition lessons, their own personal ...
Weight loss slows, but she's still on trackAG Week
12 Week Weight Loss ChallengeCastanet.net
Weight loss challenge benefits charityTasley Eastern Shore News
Neosho Daily...
The Biggest Loser: Weight Loss Through Tears - TV.com
10 Mar 2010 at 3:24pm
Digital Spy
The Biggest Loser: Weight Loss Through Tears
TV.com
It was a three-hanky night, and the sheer volume of tears must have been good for weight-loss all around. First there was father/daughter duo O'Neal and ...
Cheryl George gets eliminated from 'The Biggest Loser: Couples'Reality TV World
'Biggest Loser' players get a reality checkmsnbc.com
The Biggest Loser: Work Week Two-A...
Forest Whitaker shows off dramatic weight loss at New York premiere of his ne...
11 Mar 2010 at 1:59am
Daily Mail
Forest Whitaker shows off dramatic weight loss at New York premiere of his new ...
Daily Mail
The Crying Game and Last King Of Scotland star had a shocked Hollywood buzzing about his dramatic weight loss when he stepped out on stage at last Sunday's ...
and more »
Tags: cholesterol
