How Healthy Are Your LDL And HDL Cholesterol Levels?

Having correct levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol is a must for good health. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, and fat like substance that is found throughout the different parts of the body.

Healthy cholesterol levels are important, as cholesterol does not dissolve in the blood, and excessive amounts can cause cholesterol to build-up in the walls of the arteries.

Cholesterol is not entirely bad though. It is actually needed by the body for different functions. Cholesterol is actually a structural component of the cell membranes, which help the cells keep their structure and integrity.

Inside the cell membrane, cholesterol is needed for cell signalling, nerve conduction, and intracellular transport. It is also needed for the production of steroid hormones in the body, which includes sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

Cholesterol is also an important part of the myelin sheath, the covering of nerve cells that help with proper transmission of nerve impulses. Another function of cholesterol, is its role in the production of bile acids in the liver, which are important for fat digestion and waste excretion.

Making sure that your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels are healthy is essential, not only for the body to be able to perform different cholesterol related functions, but also for protection from heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

High levels of LDL can cause cholesterol to build up in the walls of the arteries. When LDL cholesterol gets oxidized, it can form into plaque, causing the arteries to get hard and narrow.

Low levels of HDL are bad for the health too. HDL prevents LDL cholesterol from building up in the arterial walls, and it can also slow down the progression of coronary artery disease.

HDL cholesterol also guides cholesterol back into the liver where it can be passed from the body so keeping HDL levels high is essential.

It is crucial to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. In order to achieve this, one has to make changes to diet as well as lifestyle.

Foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats should be avoided. Instead, it is recommended to eat more of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Natural supplements with ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, lecithin, and the aflavins may also be taken, as these are not only effective, but are side effect free as well.

Exercising, keeping weight under control, and avoiding smoking, are not only good for cholesterol control but for overall health too.

If you feel ready to achieve healthy LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, then check out my website today to learn more.

About The Author

Mary Ruddy is a former high cholesterol sufferer, and is a strong advocate of natural health care. Mary enjoys introducing people to the best natural products she can find and uses herself daily at: curing-cholesterol.com curing-cholesterol.com

Visit her site curing-cholesterol.com curing-cholesterol.com to learn more about the natural products Mary successfully used, and continues to use daily, for excellent cholesterol levels and super heart health.