Cholesterol is a waxy substance that naturally occurs in all parts of the body and is required for function. It is necessary to produce many hormones, vitamin D, and the bile acids that aid in digesting fat. Only a small amount of cholesterol is essential, and the liver produces all you need. Since your liver produces all the cholesterol your body needs, you do NOT need to consume any in your diet!
Excessive amounts of cholesterol in the bloodstream lead to atherosclerosis (a condition in which fat and cholesterol are deposited in the walls of the arteries throughout the body). This process can eventually cause heart disease. Cholesterol is only found in animal products. Major dietary sources of cholesterol include: cheese, egg yolks, beef, pork, poultry, fish, and shrimp.
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Low density lipoproteins (LDL): LDL, also called "bad"
cholesterol, can cause buildup of plaque on the walls of arteries. The
more LDL there is in the blood, the greater the risk of heart disease. (<130)
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High density lipoproteins (HDL): HDL, also called "good" cholesterol, helps the body get rid of bad cholesterol in the blood. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the
better. If your levels of HDL are low, your risk of heart disease
increases. (>45)
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Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL): VLDL is similar to LDL cholesterol in that it contains mostly fat and not much protein. (5-40)
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Triglycerides: Triglycerides are another type of fat that
is carried in the blood by very low density lipoproteins. Excess
calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides
and stored in fat cells throughout the body. (<200)
Some factors that affect cholesterol are: diet, exercise, weight, heredity, age, gender, and some medications. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200. Simple lifestyle changes can reduce your cholesterol and risk of heart disease. First, and foremost
QUIT SMOKING! Eat low cholesterol foods -the American Heart Association recommends that you limit your average
daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams. If you have heart
disease, limit your daily intake to less than 200 milligrams. Exercise has been shown to increase HDL. Take medication only as prescribed by your doctor.
Excessive amounts of cholesterol in the bloodstream lead to atherosclerosis (a condition in which fat and cholesterol are deposited in the walls of the arteries throughout the body). This process can eventually cause heart disease. Cholesterol is only found in animal products. Major dietary sources of cholesterol include: cheese, egg yolks, beef, pork, poultry, fish, and shrimp.
Some factors that affect cholesterol are: diet, exercise, weight, heredity, age, gender, and some medications. Your total cholesterol should be less than 200. Simple lifestyle changes can reduce your cholesterol and risk of heart disease. First, and foremost QUIT SMOKING! Eat low cholesterol foods -the American Heart Association recommends that you limit your average
daily cholesterol intake to less than 300 milligrams. If you have heart
disease, limit your daily intake to less than 200 milligrams. Exercise has been shown to increase HDL. Take medication only as prescribed by your doctor.
I always found it so frustrating that my body automatically makes too much LDL. My HDL is high but so it my LDL. I know I have genetics to thank but I wish there was something else I could do to lower it other than statins!
ReplyDeleteYour blog posts are so informative and interesting. I really enjoyed reading them especially since my family as a history of heart disease.
ReplyDelete