Does The Body Need Cholesterol
Myth: All cholesterol is bad for you. Fact: Certain types of cholesterol are essential for good health. Your body needs cholesterol to perform important tasks, such as making hormones and building cells. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins.
Treatment Options For High Cholesterol
The two best ways to lower or maintain your cholesterol levels include drug therapies as well as watching what you eat, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Your provider is the best person to work with to develop a course of treatment that will help you get the best results and lower your cholesterol.
What Happens To Your Body When You Have High Cholesterol
Insight. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. With high cholesterol, you can develop fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Eventually, these deposits grow, making it difficult for enough blood to flow through your arteries.
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Wednesday 27 September 2017
Given the seriousness with which its talked about, you could be forgiven for thinking that all cholesterol is terrible and out to kill you.
The truth is, a healthy level of cholesterol is actually essential for your body to run properly every cell in your body contains some cholesterol. Your body uses cholesterol to build cell walls, make vitamin D and produce hormones. In fact, about 75% of the cholesterol in your body is made by your liver. The rest comes from some of the foods and drinks you consume.
Cholesterol can become a serious health problem when your body has too much of it, especially one type in particular called low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol. Read on to find out what cholesterol is, the difference between good and bad cholesterol and how you can try to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level.
Safe Blood Cholesterol Levels
Health authorities recommend that cholesterol levels should be no higher than 5.5 mmol per litre if there are no other risk factors present. If there are other cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure or pre-existing cardiovascular disease, then the aim for the LDL levels would be less than 2 mmol/l. Approximately half of all adult Australians have a blood cholesterol level above 5 mmol/l. This makes high blood cholesterol a major health concern in Australia.
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The Difference Between Good And Bad Cholesterol
If cholesterol is so necessary, why is it sometimes described as “bad” and at other times as “good?”
Your liver packages cholesterol into so-called lipoproteins, which are combinations of lipids and proteins. Lipoproteins operate like commuter buses that carry cholesterol, other lipids like triglycerides, fat-soluble vitamins, and other substances through the bloodstream to the cells that need them.
- Low-density lipoproteins, sometimes called bad cholesterol, gets its bad reputation from the fact that high levels of it are associated with increasing your risk of heart disease. LDL contains more cholesterol than protein, making it lighter in weight. LDL travels through the bloodstream and carries cholesterol to cells that need it. When it becomes oxidized, LDL can promote inflammation and force lipids to accumulate on the walls of vessels in the heart and rest of the body, forming plaques. These plaques can thicken and may limit or completely block blood and nutrients to affected tissues or organs.
- HDLor high-density lipoproteinsis also commonly referred to as “good cholesterol.” HDL is heavier than LDL because it contains more protein and less cholesterol. HDL gets its good reputation from the fact that it takes cholesterol from the cells and brings it to the liver. Having higher levels of HDL may also help lower your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Effects Of High Cholesterol Levels
The liver is the main processing centre for cholesterol and dietary fat. When we eat animal fats, the liver transports the fat, together with cholesterol in the form of lipoproteins, into our bloodstream.
Too much cholesterol circulating within LDL in our bloodstream leads to fatty deposits developing in the arteries. This causes the vessels to narrow and they can eventually become blocked. This can lead to heart disease and stroke.
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Lifestyle Tips To Cut Cholesterol
Changing some of your lifestyle habits may also help to reduce your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Suggestions include:
- Cease alcohol consumption or reduce your alcohol intake to no more than one or two drinks a day. Avoid binge drinking. This may help lower your triglyceride levels.
- Dont smoke. Smoking increases the ability of LDL cholesterol to get into artery cells and cause damage.
- Exercise regularly . Exercise increases HDL levels while reducing LDL and triglyceride levels in the body.
- Lose any excess body fat. Being overweight may contribute to raised blood triglyceride and LDL levels.
- Control your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. High blood sugars are linked to an increased risk of atherosclerosis , heart attacks and strokes.
What Makes Cholesterol Good Or Bad
Cholesterol is a type of fat in our body. It helps us do many things: build cells, digest food, and make hormones. Although cholesterol is necessary for the proper functioning of our body, too much can be bad. High cholesterol can cause serious problems in our blood, like clots, as well as heart and brain problems.
Does your body need cholesterol?
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What Health Problems Can High Cholesterol Cause
If you have large deposits of plaque in your arteries, an area of plaque can rupture . This can cause a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block blood flow in a coronary artery.
If the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle is reduced or blocked, it can cause angina or a heart attack.
Plaque also can build up in other arteries in your body, including the arteries that bring oxygen-rich blood to your brain and limbs. This can lead to problems such as carotid artery disease, stroke, and peripheral arterial disease.
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What Is The Cholesterol In Your Food Unpacking Dietary Cholesterol
Many of the fat substances in your body, including cholesterol, are produced naturally this production is determined by your genes and your metabolism, and is likely not something you can change. However, you have more choice in the fats that enter your body through your food. Saturated and trans fats are the main culprits when it comes to increased cholesterol in the bloodstream these fats prevent liver cells from effectively removing cholesterol from your blood. Its important to monitor your intake of foods that contain these types of fat. To keep your cholesterol in check, a basic rule of thumb is to avoid saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats mainly come from animal sources of food and trans fats mostly originate from oils through a food processing method called partial hydrogenation. Both trans fats and saturated fats harm the bodys ability to combat heart disease. Learn more about saturated fat, trans fat, and ways to make healthy food choices here.
It is more important to focus on eating less unhealthy fats than to stress about dietary cholesterol although moderation with dietary cholesterol is still recommended as your body doesnt need too much cholesterol overall to function.
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Why Do We Need Cholesterol
There is cholesterol in every cell in your body. It plays vital roles in how your body works, and it’s especially important in your brain, nerves and skin.
Cholesterol has three main jobs:
- Its part of the outer layer, or membrane, of all your cells.
- Its used to make vitamin D and steroid hormones which keep your bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
- Its used to make bile, which helps to digest the fats you eat.
Keeping These Numbers In Check
There are several things that influence your cholesterol numbers, some of which you have control over. While heredity and weight may play a role, lifestyle choices around diet and exercise can also raise or lower your overall numbers.
Eating foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fats, getting regular exercise, and managing your weight are all
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You Dont Need To Avoid Eggs And Seafood
Some foods are high in cholesterol but are fine to eat in moderation, as long as your overall diet is low in saturated fats. For example:
- Egg yolks a single egg yolk contains 200250 mg of cholesterol, which is almost the uppermost recommended daily intake . However, reducing egg intake is probably not important for healthy people with normal blood cholesterol levels.
- Seafood prawns and seafood contain some cholesterol, but they are low in saturated fat and also contain healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Seafood is a healthy food and should not be avoided just because it contains cholesterol. However, avoid fried and battered seafood.
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/6importance Of Sugar And Making Natural Sweetener At Home
Lets accept the fact that we all need sweeteners and it is one thing that cannot be erased from our lives. From tea to coffee and baking goods, sugar is an integral part of our life and is something that has a very poor reputation as it is often regarded as an enemy. However, sugar also gives energy and hence it is important.
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Cholesterol Levels In Men & Women
Heart disease is the number-one killer of both men and women in the United States. More men have heart disease than women, but its important for everyone to keep their heart healthy. The healthy cholesterol ranges are the same for men and women , and the National Institutes of Health recommends that everyone age 20 and older get their cholesterol checked every five years.
However, most doctors use guidelines set by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force , a panel of health experts that publishes screening recommendations. Based on the most recent clinical evidence, the USPSTF recommends that all men get their cholesterol checked starting at age 35, but if they have an increased risk of heart disease to begin checking earlier. The USPSTF recommends women get their cholesterol measured only if they have an increased heart disease risk based on other factors.
What Kind Of Test Measures Cholesterol
Your provider checks your cholesterol levels through a blood test called a lipid panel . Your provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm and send the blood to a lab for analysis. Be sure to closely follow your providers instructions on how to prepare for the test. Youll likely need to fast for 12 hours beforehand. This means avoiding all foods and drinks except water.
When your results come in, your provider will let you know. You may also be able to access your results through your electronic medical record.
Your lipid panel gives you the following numbers:
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Myth: Eating Foods With A Lot Of Cholesterol Will Not Make My Cholesterol Levels Go Up
Fact: It can be complicated. We know that foods with a lot of cholesterol usually also have a lot of saturated fat. Saturated fats can make your cholesterol numbers higher, so its best to choose foods that are lower in saturated fats. Foods made from animals, including red meat, butter, and cheese, have a lot of saturated fats.
Instead, aim to eat foods with plenty of fiber, such as oatmeal and beans, and healthy unsaturated fats, such as avocados, olive oil, and nuts. Learn more about healthy diets and nutrition at CDCs nutrition, physical activity, and obesity website.
Talk with your health care provider about ways to manage your cholesterol. Learn more about medicines to lower cholesterol.
Your GP may recommend that you have your blood cholesterol levels tested if you:
The Importance Of Cholesterol In The Body
DEFINITION: Cholesterol is a high molecular weight sterol. Cholesterol is not a fat.
FUNCTIONS
Cholesterol is an important component of the cell membranes, including organelle membranes inside the cell.
The right proportion of phospholipids, fatty acids, and cholesterol in cell membranes allows them to be flexible while still holding their shape.
“Cholesterol is used by the body as raw material for the healing process. This is the reason the injured areas in the arteries … have cholesterol along with several other components in the ‘scar’ tissue that is formed to heal the ‘wound’.”
Cholesterol is found in large amounts in brain tissue where it is needed for normal brain function. Research has shown that cholesterol in eggs is helpful to older people whose memory is declining.
Cholesterol often elevates as part of a protective immune system response to chronic infection.
Infants need plenty of cholesterol for proper brain development and cholesterol is normally found in large amounts in human breast milk.
Adrenal and gonadal hormones are made from cholesterol. These are the stress handling, energy producing and reproductive hormones.
Cholesterol is vital for proper nerve function. Three quarters of the myelin membrane is made from fat and of that nearly one quarter is cholesterol.
Vitamin D is made from cholesterol in the skin.
Cholesterol is converted into bile salts in the liver which are needed to break down and emulsify fats.
CHOLESTEROL TRANSPORT
Liver damage
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If Cholesterol Is Important For Health Why Is It Good And Bad
Lipoproteins have different concentrations of fat and transport cholesterol to different parts of the body. The lower the density of a lipoprotein, the more fat it contains. Therefore, LDL cholesterol is very rich in fat. LDL cholesterol delivers cholesterol to our cells and is associated with plaque build-up in our arteries which can lead to heart disease. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, helps collects cholesterol from the blood stream and deliver it to the liver for excretion.
/6are Sweeteners A Viable Option
These days, one can see several sugar substitutes in the market which are popularly called artificial sweeteners, which are chemical or plant-based substances and are used to sweeten that cup of coffee/tea and make healthy desserts. These sugar substitutes might be termed as healthy, but they are not. What, if we told you that you can make your own natural sweetener at home and it’s completely healthy and tastes much better than those artificial sweeteners? Well, if you are someone who cannot survive without a sweetener in your food, then here is a chance to make natural sweetener at home. Take a look at its recipe.
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Whats Cholesterol Doing In There
Although cholesterol tends to get a bad rap, it also performs several important functions in the body:
- It plays a role in forming and maintaining cell membranes and structures. Cholesterol can insert between fat molecules making up the cell, making the membrane more fluid. Cells also need cholesterol to help them adjust to changes in temperature.
- Cholesterol is essential for making a number of critical hormones, including the stress hormone cortisol. Cholesterol is also used to make the sex hormones testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen.
- The liver also uses cholesterol to make bile, a fluid that plays a vital role in the processing and digestion of fats.
- Cholesterol is used by nerve cells for insulation.
- Your body also needs cholesterol to make vitamin D. In the presence of sunlight, cholesterol is converted into vitamin D.
What Is Cholesterol And Why Is It Important
Cholesterol is important We need a small amount of blood cholesterol because the body uses it to: build the structure of cell membranes. produce hormones like estrogen, testosterone and adrenal hormones. helping your metabolism to work efficiently, for example, cholesterol is essential for your body to produce vitamin D.
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Cholesterol In The Blood
With all of the bad publicity cholesterol gets, people are often surprised to learn that its actually necessary for our existence.
Whats also surprising is that our bodies produce cholesterol naturally. But cholesterol is not all good, nor is it all bad its a complex topic and one worth knowing more about.
Cholesterol is a substance made in the liver thats vital to human life. You can also get cholesterol through foods.
Because plants cannot create it, you can only find it in animal products, like meat and dairy.
In our bodies, cholesterol serves three main purposes:
These are important functions, all dependent on the presence of cholesterol. But too much of a good thing is not good at all.
Myth: All Cholesterol Is Bad For You
Fact: Some types of cholesterol are essential for good health. Your body needs cholesterol to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and building cells. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body:
- LDL , sometimes called bad cholesterol, makes up most of your bodys cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol raise your risk for heart disease and stroke.
- HDL , or good cholesterol, carries cholesterol back to the liver. The liver then flushes it from the body. High levels of HDL cholesterol can lower your risk for heart disease and stroke.
When your body has too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels. This buildup is called plaque. As your blood vessels build up plaque over time, the insides of the vessels narrow. This narrowing can restrict and eventually block blood flow to and from your heart and other organs. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause angina or a heart attack.
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