Cholesterol
High cholesterol can be an invisible risk. Many people tend to ignore and don't worry about this danger because they really can't understand what is going on. But, if not treated, having high cholesterol can lead to serious health problems.
So what is cholesterol? It is made by the liver and it is a soft and fat like material that is important for many functions in the body. The body needs it to make hormones, healthy cells and vitamin D.
Another source of cholesterol is the food we eat. About 75% of the total cholesterol is produced by the body itself, while the other 25% comes from food. Food that is rich in animal fat such as meat, fish, eggs and diary products are the biggest source of cholesterol. If we eat too much of these foods the liver will produce more cholesterol than the body needs.
Cholesterol can not dissolve in the blood by itself. Small particles called lipoproteins deliver it too and from blood cells. The two lipoproteins are LDL, the "bad" cholesterol and HDL, the "good" cholesterol.
The "bad" LDL cholesterol carries the cholesterol in the blood to tissues in the body where it can be used and stored. The reason it is called the bad cholesterol is because over time, this cholesterol can build up and may clog the arteries.
The "good" HDL cholesetrol carries the cholesterol in the blood stream to the liver where it is expelled from the body. A high level of HDL cholesterol will protect against heart disease and stroke.
Five steps to lower your cholesterol and improve your health
1) Eat right. This has the most significant impact on your cholesterol level.
2) Exercise will strengthen the heart and the entire circulatory system and reverses the effects of high cholesterol.
3) Quit smoking. Smoking accelerates the build up of cholesterol in the arteries and blocks the flow of blood to the heart.
4) Relax. Stress can affect cholesterol level and may prevent you from seeing any improvements.
5) A doctor can help you find a suitable diet and exercise plan.