Good and Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol is not just cholesterol there is good and bad cholesterol. Do you know the difference between the two? Most people do not even though this is one of the most important things to know with regard to keeping healthy and avoiding heart attacks.
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is an important substance in our body which is found in our blood stream and cells. The body needs it in order to be able to function at its optimumand it contributes to a number of hormones and produces cell membranes.
Good cholesterol is also known as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and is already in our blood stream. The reason this cholesterol is considered good is because it protects our heart from a stroke or any other such diseases. The right level for good cholesterol is a minimum of 40mg/dL or more.
Bad cholesterol, which is also known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is bad because a high amount of it can clog the arteries and provoke a heat attack and other heart related diseases. The normal level of bad cholesterol is 200mg/dL or less in order not to pose a risk of any heart problems.
How To Control and Lower Bad Cholesterol
If you already have high levels of the bad cholesterol then the best thing to do is consult your doctor about an efficient drug that will help you lower it gradually. There are many cholesterol drugs that are available over the counter and many natural remedies as well. However, it is strongly suggested that you do not self medicate as some of the cholesterol drugs have serious side effects which only your doctor can point out as he is familiar with your medical history and conditions.
If you have normal levels of good and bad cholesterol all you may want to do is ensure that you stay that way and you can do that by eating healthily and exercising. Eating healthily means eating foods that are low in saturated and trans fat as well as in cholesterol.
Get in the habit of reading food labels as they all have to provide all the above mentioned data by law and therefore it is easy for you to choose which food items are good and which are harmful for your health.
Food items that contain high levels of cholesterol include egg yolks, poultry, meat, shellfish, butter and cheese.
Take a minute and learn about your good and bad cholesterol levels, monitor closely your food intake and that of your family making them aware as well of the importance of staying below the limits of the bad cholesterol. A few minutes of self-education could save your life or that of a family member.
