What is Cholesterol?
Dietary cholesterol is a waxy substance found only in foods of animal origin such as poultry, beef, fish, eggs and dairy products. Fruits and vegetables do not contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is necessary to keep the body functioning normally. The liver manufactures enough cholesterol for normal cell processes such as building cell walls and producing hormones. In children, cholesterol plays an important role in the development of the brain and nervous system.When cholesterol is combined with fats and proteins for use by your body, it forms particles called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins.
- Low-density lipoproteins (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) are associated with the buildup of excess cholesterol on the walls of the arteries. This buildup (plaque) forms on the inner walls of the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and brain.
- High-density lipoproteins (HDL or "good" cholesterol) remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carry it to the liver for excretion. HDL prevents the accumulation of cholesterol and other fats along the artery walls.
Why does cholesterol matter?
A number of medical studies have found that a high level of cholesterol is a major factor in developing atherosclerosis, the narrowing of arteries through a buildup of fatty plaque. The typical American diet tends to be high in cholesterol and dietary fat.People who consume large amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats tend to have higher levels of blood cholesterol, as well as a higher incidence of atherosclerosis. Cholesterol buildup in the arteries is the most common cause of heart disease and stroke and happens so slowly that you may not even be aware of it.
Anyone can have high blood cholesterol; there are no warning signs. The only way to find out about your cholesterol level is to have your health care professional perform a lipoprotein profile test (after a nine-to read more
