Cholesterol is a naturally occurring substance in the body. It is a waxy, fat-like substance, some of which are needed by the body to function normally. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can cause it too stick on the walls of the arteries. This results in plaque formation on the arterial wall. Over time, this plaque can narrow the arteries or may totally block blood flow.
Types of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol in the blood. These are: the high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol and the low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol.
The good cholesterol protects the body against heart diseases. It controls blood cholesterol by taking away cholesterol in the blood and transporting it to the liver.
Bad cholesterol, on the other hand, carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Having too much bad cholesterol in the blood puts a person at risk for heart disease and stroke.
So, how do we lower bad cholesterol in the blood?
Experts recommend exercise and following a good diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help prevent the development of heart disease or stroke. Using unsaturated fats are preferred than saturated fats. Try to read the food labels in the nutrition facts of store-bought foods. Look for unsaturated fats. Sometimes, manufacturers would label them as either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. Both of these types of fats are good. However, among the two, polyunsaturated fats may be preferable.
Sometimes medications to lower blood cholesterol may be prescribed by the doctor.
Sources:
Cholesterol. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Updated November 4, 2009. Accessed: November 6, 2009
Fats and Cholesterol: Out with the Bad, In with the Good. Harvard School of Public Health. Accessed: November 6, 2009
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Types of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol in the blood. These are: the high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol and the low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol.
The good cholesterol protects the body against heart diseases. It controls blood cholesterol by taking away cholesterol in the blood and transporting it to the liver.
Bad cholesterol, on the other hand, carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Having too much bad cholesterol in the blood puts a person at risk for heart disease and stroke.
So, how do we lower bad cholesterol in the blood?
Experts recommend exercise and following a good diet. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help prevent the development of heart disease or stroke. Using unsaturated fats are preferred than saturated fats. Try to read the food labels in the nutrition facts of store-bought foods. Look for unsaturated fats. Sometimes, manufacturers would label them as either monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats. Both of these types of fats are good. However, among the two, polyunsaturated fats may be preferable.
Sometimes medications to lower blood cholesterol may be prescribed by the doctor.
Sources:
Cholesterol. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Updated November 4, 2009. Accessed: November 6, 2009
Fats and Cholesterol: Out with the Bad, In with the Good. Harvard School of Public Health. Accessed: November 6, 2009
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