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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nLow Density\nLipoprotein (LDL) is known as bad cholesterol when found in large quantities.\nIt contains more cholesterol than protein and helps transport cholesterol to\nthe cells. When the LDL level is high, excess cholesterol will accumulate in\nthe blood vessels and lead to \ncomplications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High Density\nLipoprotein (HDL) is known as good cholesterol because it contains more protein\nthan other cholesterol. This form of lipoprotein helps transport excess\ncholesterol away from the cells, therefore, it is better to have more HDL\u2019s and\nfewer LDL\u2019s in the bloodstream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When there is too\nmuch cholesterol circulating in the blood, it leads to a disease called\nhypercholesterolemia. This elevated level of cholesterol in the blood will\neventually lead to the formation of fatty deposits of plaque on the lining of\nblood vessels. When this happens, blood vessels become narrowed and hardened by\nthese deposits. This condition is called atherosclerosis and it can lead to the\nformation of blood clots in these now narrowed blood vessels. When blood\nvessels become narrowed, it makes it difficult for blood to reach parts of the\nbody and can eventually cause serious damage. \nIt is believed that atherosclerosis causes more deaths due to heart\nattacks than any other disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A diet high in\ncholesterol can lead to stroke, heart disease, atherosclerosis, and possibly\ndeath. Many of the great tasting foods that we eat every day contain high\namounts of cholesterol. Foods that are high in cholesterol include red meat,\negg yolks, whole milk, cheese, ice cream, butter, fried foods, cake, and\ncookies. Foods that are prepared with high amounts of saturated fats such as\npalm or coconut oil also lead to high cholesterol levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Foods that are\nlow in cholesterol and high in fiber are a smarter choice. These include fresh\nleafy vegetables, peas, dried beans, and whole grains. A healthy diet is one\nthat contains less red meat and more fish and poultry. Taking the skin off\npoultry makes it even healthier to eat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other factors\nthat can lead to high cholesterol include smoking, obesity, and a family\nhistory of heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The American\nHeart Association says that when the level of cholesterol rises above 200\nmilligrams per deciliter of blood, there is a significant increase in the risk\nof having a heart attack. High cholesterol can vary from person to person but\nis generally defined as above 240 mg\/dl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The body has the\nability to produce approximately 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol daily from the\ncarbohydrates and fats that we eat. Therefore, it is not necessary to eat foods\nthat are high in cholesterol in order to meet the body\u2019s needs. In fact, the\nAmerican Heart Association recommends that you limit your daily intake of\ncholesterol to no more than 300 milligrams per day. The daily diet should\ncontain no more than 30% fat and only a third of this fat should be saturated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exercise and a\nhealthy diet are two ways that you can lower your cholesterol. It is important\nto always consult a physician before starting any diet or exercise plan. Stress\nmanagement is also very helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease, heart\nattack, and stroke. In many cases where cholesterol levels are not being\ncontrolled, it may be necessary for a physician to prescribe medication to help\nlower it.<\/p>\n
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.<\/strong> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cholesterol is a necessary component of the cells in the body. It is found in large quantities in nerve tissue, the brain, skin, adrenal glands, and liver. Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in the bloodstream along with the … Continue reading