Learning About Your Good And Bad Cholesterol

The waxy substance in our bodies known as cholesterol comes primarily in two basic forms, HDL and LDL. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is often alluded to as good cholesterol, while LDL, or low density lipoprotein, is the bad form of cholesterol.

LDL generally carries cholesterol from the liver to the rest of the body and, when too much of it circulates in someone's blood, it begins to gradually build up on the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. In combination with other substances, it can form plaque in the body, and that is a thick, fatty deposit that can clog the arteries; this is the condition known as atherosclerosis.

Then, there is HDL, which is designated as the good form of cholesterol, since a high level of it seems to protect against heart attacks and strokes. It is believed that HDL returns cholesterol to the liver, where it can be processed for release from the body. As a result, a low level of HDL in the body may reduce this purging process and raise the likelihood of having a heart attack.

An additional factor which must be brought into this discussion is with regard to triglycerides, the most common type of fat that is produced in the body and also found in food. Did you ever wonder how extra servings of bread turned into a roll of fat? Well, in part, you can blame triglycerides for that. The reason that it is involved in this particular subject matter is because people with high triglyceride levels often have high cholesterol, an elevated LDL cholesterol, a less than healthy HDL cholesterol level and could be at greater risk for heart disease.

Merely expecting that a high cholesterol cure can be found at the drugstore is not a rational strategy for good health. Medication can be of great value when all else fails, but it is best reserved for a bona fide emergency.

What Causes Rising Cholesterol In The Bloodstream
There is no clear scientifically proven explanation as to exactly how a diet high in saturated fat can be the cause of rising cholesterol in the blood.

Revealing The Culprits In High Cholesterol
For most people, the cause of high cholesterol is poor lifestyle choices such as diet and our level of exercise, which can be modified. Both men and women can strive to attain and maintain a normal level of cholesterol, get their levels checked and take prompt action if needed.

How To Control And Reduce Bad Cholesterol Levels
Bad cholesterol, which is also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL), is a bad element because the molecules cannot dissolve in the blood and these have a tendency to cling to artery walls potentially provoking a heart attack or causing other heart related diseases.

Understanding A Low Cholesterol Diet Plan And How To Design One For Yourself
The best low cholesterol diet, and there are many good ones to choose from, is the one you can stick to. In order to have a cholesterol lowering diet, you will need to watch the amount and types of fats you eat as well.

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