Cholesterol comes in two forms: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is the type we generally refer to as “bad” and HDL is the “good” kind. But what makes cholesterol good or bad?
Well, LDL can actually stick to the walls of your arteries making blood flow more difficult. HDL, on the other hand, moves cholesterol to the liver where it can be removed. Cholesterol is essential to our body and in fact 80 percent of it comes from the body and so it’s imperative we maintain a healthy balance.
Although you may know that the key to good health is having healthy cholesterol, there are a few facts about cholesterol that maybe you don’t know. Therefore let’s look at some cholesterol facts that are not as common.
Surprising facts about cholesterol
2. Cholesterol-free can still raise cholesterol: Because so many of us are concerned with our cholesterol manufacturers have started to make many products that are cholesterol-free. But don’t be fooled by these labels, these items can still raise cholesterol.
Cholesterol food items are usually products from animals like meat, milk and eggs. Even though a food item may not have these as an ingredient they may use cooking techniques which can boost cholesterol, for example deep fried food.
Trans fat, for one, can increase one’s cholesterol, although as of late the FDA has put a ban on its use so we may soon be able to eat much safer.
Do eggs contain cholesterol – yes, indeed they do. Are they safe to enjoy? Of course! Eggs are a superfood with a lot to offer. The American Heart Association has given eggs the thumbs once again so go ahead and crack one open – but just remember: Moderation is key!
4. You need cholesterol: You may think it would just be easier to eliminate cholesterol all together, but your body actually needs it. Cholesterol aids in cell structure, hormones, your metabolism and helps absorb nutrients. For these reasons we can’t go without it. What we can do, though, is ensure we contain the healthy variety and not the form which can clog our arteries.
High cholesterol can also be due to genetics. Referred to as familial hypercholesterolemia, this condition gets passed down through genes resulting in high bad cholesterol. This can result in early heart attack and so guidance from a doctor is necessary. But don’t give up the healthy living even if your cholesterol is genetic. You still want to maintain good habits so that you don’t help worsen the condition.
As mentioned cholesterol is necessary but making healthy lifestyle choices is the difference between staying healthy and succumbing to your cholesterol. As always, eat well, exercise as much as you can, reduce stress, don’t smoke and limit alcohol consumption. These are the fundamentals to living a long life and ideally they should be practiced daily.
Related Reading:
Major cholesterol benefits from this controversial oil
If your doctor has raised concerns about your cholesterol, they probably also recommended foods to enjoy and foods to stay away from. Oil, in particular, is often talked about with regard to people with high cholesterol. Continue reading…
Easy way to lower cholesterol? Exercise like this
Making some changes to your lifestyle can go a long way to helping reduce cholesterol and keep you off cholesterol-lowering medications or make those medications work even better. You’ve likely heard that extra weight contributes to high cholesterol, so even dropping as little as 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can reduce your cholesterol levels. Continue reading…
10 Foods to help prevent clogged arteries
Ever turn on a water faucet only to find the water is lingering in the sink and not going down the drain? You have a clogged drain from buildup, and maybe other items which can make their way down a drain (but shouldn’t!)…Read more
Sources:
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20317052_2,00.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9152.php?page=2
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/cholesterol_explained?open