7 Facts About Cholesterol

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Cholesterol is a waxy substance essential for cell function, but high levels can lead to heart disease. Understanding types and sources is key for health. 1. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is attached to the fats in our bloodstream and is present in all of the cells of the body.

2. Cholesterol comes from food that we eat, as well as being manufactured directly by the liver.

3. Cholesterol helps to regulate the formation of many cells as well as hormones. However, to have too high or too low of a cholesterol count in the blood can be a very dangerous factor, often leading to a heart attack or a stroke.

4. The cholesterol maneuvers throughout the body attached to lipids (fats).

5. There are two main types of cholesterol. The first type is called LDL (Bad) cholesterol, and the other is HDL (Good) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, otherwise known as low-density lipoprotein, is considered the "dangerous" cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up on the artery walls. Over time this plaque build-up blocks blood flow reducing circulation and causing stress and damage to the heart.

5. (continued) This raises blood pressure, and eventually leads to heart disease or a heart attack. Individuals that have higher levels of LDL run a much higher risk of having heart disease. Although LDL is affected by genetics, there are several precautions that individuals can take towards keeping safe LDL levels.

6. The other form of cholesterol is HDL, or high-density lipoprotein. HDL is considered the "good" cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is important for the body to have as this type of cholesterol helps filter out LDL (Bad) cholesterol from the lining of the arteries, as well as transporting fat in the bloodstream (triglycerides) to the liver so that it can be excreted from the body.

6. (continued) It is believed that even having high levels of HDL is safe, as it can help protect one's heart from a heart attack or stroke. Low counts of HDL could potentially lead to a heart attack and stroke, however this is rare for people eating a western-style diet, which is typically high in both forms of Cholesterol.

7. Most of the cholesterol in our bodies comes from the foods we eat. Foods high in fats, particularly saturated and trans fats, contribute to high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Meat and dairy products are the main sources of LDL (bad) cholesterol, while leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts are more nutritious alternatives that have higher levels of HDL (good) cholesterol.

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