What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by the liver and circulated by the bloodstream. Humans and other animals use cholesterol to build cell membranes. Cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood, so it combines with proteins to form lipoproteins, which enable it to circulate.
There are three types of lipoproteins, and together they make up your total cholesterol level. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the so-called "bad" cholesterol. LDL is the cholesterol that can build up and clog arteries, leading to heart disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol away from the tissues to the liver, where it is eliminated from the body. High levels of HDL protect the heart. Triglycerides, the third type of cholesterol, are not necessarily a risk factor for heart disease, but high triglyceride levels may be associated with other health conditions such as diabetes.
Dietary Causes
The liver produces 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol a day, which is the amount your body needs. You also obtain cholesterol from your diet, primarily from meats, fats and dairy products. The American Heart Association recommends eating less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol daily.
Saturated fats, such as those found in red meat, hydrogenated vegetable oils (for example, shortening or lard) and tropical oils (such as palm and coconut oils), are the greatest contributor to high cholesterol levels. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, however, help remove cholesterol from the body. It is important to remember all fats -- even those considered relatively good for your health -- are high in calories, which can lead to overweight and higher cholesterol levels.
Choosing low-fat, high-fiber foods may help keep cholesterol levels within a healthy range. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, oat bran and beans, help eliminate cholesterol. Drinking 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks per day may raise HDL levels, but more can lead to liver and heart muscle damage.
Other Causes
A healthy diet alone will not control cholesterol. Many factors may contribute to high cholesterol levels.
Heredity is one of the most important factors. Genetics determines whether your body naturally produces higher levels of LDL and how quickly cholesterol is eliminated.
Excess weight raises LDL levels. Combining weight loss with exercise delivers a one-two punch: weight loss helps lower LDL and exercise raises HDL while lowering triglyceride levels.
Cholesterol levels tend to rise with age, particularly after age 50. Women tend to have lower cholesterol levels than men thanks to the hormone estrogen. However, after menopause when hormone levels fall, cholesterol levels in women are generally higher than in men of the same age.
Long-term stress is associated with higher cholesterol levels, mostly because stress tends to cause overeating of high-calorie, high-fat foods.
Tags: cholesterol levels, cholesterol levels, associated with, cholesterol from, from body