Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced by the body that helps the body absorb nutrients and makes hormones. It also works to build cell walls and carry fats throughout the body. Cholesterol can build up in the arteries, causing blockages and plaque buildup, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol has been a hot topic for decades, but why does it matter? We’ll discuss the risks of high cholesterol and what you can do to lower your risk for heart disease. Cholesterol is a necessary component of the body. It is a fatty substance found in the bloodstream and is used by the liver to produce hormones. Cholesterol is essential to a healthy diet. However, too much cholesterol can cause health problems.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance that makes up part of our cells. The two main types of cholesterol are high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL is also known as “good” cholesterol, while LDL is called “bad” cholesterol. LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to the muscles, where it is needed for energy. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at producing HDL and more efficient at producing LDL.
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are lipid (fat) molecules found in the blood. They are made up of three fatty acids. The triglycerides are stored in fat cells and released when the body needs energy. The liver makes triglycerides from carbohydrates and fats in the diet. There are two triglycerides: chylomicrons, which are created when eating high-fat foods, and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, which are made when eating low-fat foods.
Why is cholesterol important?
Cholesterol is a fat-like compound found in foods and in the blood. When you eat food, it is broken down into a type of sugar called glucose, which is stored in the liver. The liver breaks down and removes the excess cholesterol to ensure you have enough to use. If you have high cholesterol levels, your liver may need to work harder, and the excess cholesterol builds up in your body.
If your cholesterol levels are too high, your body will make less cholesterol. That can lead to a buildup of cholesterol, increasing the risk of a heart attack. Your doctor can test your cholesterol levels and tell you how to improve your diet and lifestyle. You can also see your cholesterol level by visiting a healthcare provider.
If your cholesterol is high, your doctor may recommend taking a cholesterol-lowering medication, such as statins. Statins are a class of drugs known as HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. They help reduce the amount of cholesterol in your body.
High cholesterol symptoms
You might wonder, “Why is monitoring and controlling my cholesterol levels important?” Cholesterol is a necessary component of the body. It is a fatty substance found in the bloodstream and is used by the liver to produce hormones. Cholesterol is essential to a healthy diet. However, too much cholesterol can cause health problems.
How can you lower your cholesterol level?
Cholesterol is a necessary component of the body. It is a fatty substance found in the bloodstream and is used by the liver to produce hormones. Cholesterol is essential to a healthy diet. However, too much cholesterol can cause health problems.
People often think of cholesterol as the fat in eggs, bacon, and other foods that contain cholesterol. But cholesterol is also found in some foods that don’t have fat, such as bread and cereals, soy products, and vegetables. Cholesterol is made up of two molecules, called molecules, called molecules. One molecule, called low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is bad cholesterol. The other is a high-density lipoprotein (HDL), good cholesterol.
High cholesterol levels are usually defined as over 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Most doctors recommend that people under 40 have below 200 mg/dL of total cholesterol. People between 40 and 75 should have total cholesterol levels below 220 mg/dL.
How does diet affect cholesterol levels?
Most of us eat too many processed foods and not enough fresh foods. A healthy diet consists of many whole foods such as fruit and vegetables. These contain fiber, which helps keep cholesterol levels low. Processed foods are high in sugar and salt. Sugary foods raise blood sugar levels, causing the body to produce more cholesterol.
Saturated and trans fats are also part of a balanced diet but should be eaten in moderation. Several other factors affect cholesterol levels. Genetics and age are just a couple of examples.
Frequently Asked Questions Cholesterol
Q: What is cholesterol?
A: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in animal and vegetable cells. It makes up part of the fat in your blood.
Q: Why is it important?
A: It can affect your heart and circulation. High cholesterol levels may contribute to high blood pressure and strokes.
Q: What are some things you can do to lower your cholesterol?
A: Eat fewer fatty foods, such as meat and dairy products. Include more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.
Q: Do high levels of cholesterol cause any symptoms?
A: People with high cholesterol often experience fatigue, poor memory, and headaches.
Top Myths About Cholesterol
- Eating more fat will make your body produce more cholesterol.
- You will have a heart attack soon if you have high blood cholesterol levels.
- High cholesterol will cause my arteries to harden and block blood flow.
- High cholesterol will cause plaque to build up on my walls and cause heart disease.
Conclusion
Cholesterol is a waxy fat found in animal products such as beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. Cholesterol is made by our liver and is used to build cells and carry fat-based hormones. Our bodies naturally produce more cholesterol as we age, so older people are more likely to develop high cholesterol. Cholesterol is also created when we eat foods containing saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol.
