What is Cholesterol? And How it Affects Us

Cholesterol is a fat substance which is produced naturally by our body, (meaning we do not have to eat foods that contain cholesterol). It is found in our blood. Cholesterol has its good uses but like everything else can cause great problems if we have too much. It is also found in certain foods that we eat.

There are 2 types of Cholesterol:

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) - This is 'Good' cholesterol . This type of cholesterol helps to unclog blood vessels, (it is found in polyunsaturated fats & monounsaturated fats).

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) - This is 'bad' cholesterol. This type of cholesterol that clogs blood vessels, (it is found in saturated fats and trans fats.)

The amount of cholesterol in our bodies depends on the types of food we eat. Especially fatty foods. Polyunsaturated Fats & Monounsaturated Fats can help to lower cholesterol. These can be found in foods such as Fish, plain nuts and polyunsaturated margarines and oils, monounsaturaed margarine and oils & avacado. Saturated Fats are the fats that raise the cholesterol. Foods that are high in saturated fats are cakes, biscuits, pastries, potatoe chips, dairy products. Then there are Trans Fats these raise the LDL and lower HDL. Trans Fatty foods include baked foods such as pies, pastries, biscuits and cakes.

The Liver is the main processing centre for Cholesterol. Whatever Cholesterol is not broken down will be stored and will gradually build up in our arteries eventually hardening the arteries through which blood flows to the heart. If this process occurs there will be lack of blood and oxygen flowing to the heart, if any portion of the heart is blocked then this will ultimately result in chest pains and heart attack or stroke.

If we don't have enough Cholesterol in our system then the body will produce it's own. A balance of Cholesterol from the body and Cholesterol from food is always maintained.

Everyone over 20 should have a Cholesterol Test at least every 5 years. Unless you are tested you will never know where your Cholesterol level is at. This is done by your local doctor through a blood test. Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per decilitre of blood.

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