Lower Your Cholesterol

Many people have their cholesterol levels tested and are given a numerical result, and based on that result, they are considered to have normal or low cholesterol, borderline cholesterol, or high cholesterol. What many people do not consider is what makes up that number they are given as their cholesterol level. More people need to be aware of not only their total cholesterol level, but also of their level of bad cholesterol. Encased in the total cholesterol score is good and bad cholesterol and it is important to be especially aware of having bad cholesterol and how it can affect your total health.

Differences Between Good and Bad Cholesterol

The body actually produces most of its cholesterol in the liver, but some is taken in by diet. Cholesterol is transported throughout the body through the bloodstream, encased in proteins, which are called lipoproteins. There are high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which are commonly known as good cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL), which are commonly known as bad cholesterol. These low-density lipoproteins, the unhealthy cholesterol, are the ones that are responsible for causing plaque in the arteries that can lead to a heart attack. High-density lipoproteins are actually good, and they help to prevent the buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Where is Bad Cholesterol Found?

Bad cholesterol is commonly found in foods that are high in saturated and trans fats. Saturated fats include whole milk, butter, cheeses, ice cream, coconut milk and oil, and red meats. These saturated fats are responsible for raising both the good and the bad cholesterol levels. Trans fats include margarine, vegetable oils, shortening, deep fried foods, and many baked goods. Not only do trans fats raise bad cholesterol, but they actually can lower the amount of good cholesterol found in your body.

Many people believe that all foods containing cholesterol are bad for them; however, the worst culprits when it comes to bad cholesterol are those foods high in saturated and trans fats. Next time you sit down to eat your double cheeseburger and fries you might want to think twice about how much harmful cholesterol is contained in that one meal.

Considering the fact that those tasty yet unhealthy meals could lead to a heart attack in the future might keep you from letting those meals filled with bad cholesterol pass your lips. It is imperative to your health and long term well being to control the amount of bad cholesterol that you consume.

How to Reduce Bad Cholesterol

If you want to reduce bad cholesterol in your body, then there are several things that you will need to take into consideration. There is much you can do by simply changing your diet. For instance, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables is key as they are low in calories and fat and also contain a number of vitamins and other antioxidants that help to prevent cellular damage and also aid in a number of cellular processes.

The most important aspect of diet however, is probably to remove foods that are posing a risk. For example, any foods that are high in saturated fat should be removed in order for to reduce the cholesterol in your overall diet as they are one of the most major causes of high cholesterol levels. If you can't completely avoid eating saturated fats then you should as least be eat less of them. They are usually found in fried foods and in animal meats.It is important to realize that lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish contain less saturated fat than red meat.

You should also realize that carbohydrates are an important and quick energy source and so you need to keep these as a part of your diet. Since these are converted into sugar once they are in the body, however, consumption of too many carbohydrates will result in weight gain, as well as in elevated glucose levels in diabetics. There has also been further research done which has indicated that consuming too many carbohydrates can lower HDL which is the good cholesterol.

Another method you can try is to increase the amount of physical activity in your life. Exercise is an incredibly important factor to anyone’s life especially if that person is looking to lower cholesterol levels. Remember you want to reduce bad cholesterol not good.

No matter what it is also important to make regular visits to your doctor because everyone is different. What works well for one person may not work for another. Consulting with your doctor will help you to decide which method to reduce bad cholesterol would work best for you as well as what the next step should be.

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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.