Cholesterol is a substance contained in all of the cells of the body and also found among the fats or lipids in the bloodstream. It is necessary to perform various functions in the body such as forming cell membranes and some hormones. It is transported to and from the body by various kinds of lipoproteins. The most important of these are low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein. The primary carrier is LDL or low density. However, if too much of it is circulating in the blood, it will build up on the walls of the arteries that transport blood to the heart and the brain.
This build up hardens into a substance called plaque that can then clog the artery. If a clot then forms near the plaque deposit the blood flow to the heart can be blocked resulting in a heart attack. When the clot blocks the blood flow to the brain, a stroke occurs. Therefore a high level of LDL cholesterol in your blood puts you at an increased risk for heart disease. Because of this fact, LDL is often referred to as the bad cholesterol. Lower levels of LDL indicate a reduced risk of heart disease.
HDL or high density lipoprotein transports about twenty five to thirty three percent of the cholesterol. Scientists believe that HDL transports it away from the arteries and returns it to the liver where it is expelled from the body. Some also think that HDL removes cholesterol from the plaques, thereby slowing down their formation. For these reasons, HDL is referred to as the good cholesterol. Scientists have observed that a high HDL protects the body against heart attack whereas a low HDL poses a greater risk.
Cholesterol is produced in the liver at a rate of about 1,000 milligrams a day. But it also enters the body from foods, particularly foods from animal such as meat and dairy. It is not present in foods from plant products. All the cholesterol needed by the body is made by the liver so it isn t necessary to consume it in foods. However, it is saturated fatty acids and trans fats that raise your LDL levels and put you at risk for heart disease. Exercise is just as important as diet in maintaining proper cholesterol levels. Doctors recommend at least thirty minutes a day which can be done all at one time or broken up into ten or fifteen minute increments.
While it is a common belief that cholesterol is an adult problem only, this is not true. Plaque build up can start in childhood, particularly if there is a family history or heart disease or if the child is overweight or obese and follows the sedentary lifestyle typical of many children today. These children need to be screened for cholesterol levels just as adults should. They also need to be encouraged to follow a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet and exercise. Kids need to exercise more than adults – at least thirty to sixty minutes a day on most days of the week. Their diet should also include five servings of fruit and vegetables each day.
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