"Creepy" Cholesterol

Weight Loss and Cholesterol: One of the main causes of heart disease is high cholesterol. High cholesterol can lead to diseases of the heart such as hypertension, diabetes, weight problems as well as many other conditions. First, we need to understand what cholesterol is.

Cholesterol is a waxy-like fat substance which is actually a natural product that is made in the liver of our body. Cholesterol is generally considered to be bad for us, but it is actually necessary to have cholesterol in our bodies to maintain proper performance of many of our vital functions.

There are two types of cholesterol. The first type is called LDL or Low-Density Lipoprotein. It is LDL that tends to clog arteries and cause increased risk of heart problems. LDL causes the build of up fat tissue, and/or plaque in our arteries. It can also cause the build up of white blood cells. The medical term for this higher than normal accumulation of white blood cells is called "macrophage".

The second type of cholesterol is called HDL or High-Density Lipoprotein. This is the cholesterol that helps us to reduce the LDL, which then helps our heart and circulatory systems stay healthy. HDL is also important to the manufacture and support of the biochemical functions of the body, such as the production and regulation of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins, K, E, and A.

Cholesterol problems are usually associated with older adults, but children who are fed unhealthy diets can also develop serious problems. Unfortunately, whether you are an adult or a child, the symptoms are not always evident until it is too late. There have been reported cases of children as young as 5 years of age having higher-than-normal cholesterol levels. Early symptoms of high cholesterol can be similar to those of a heart attack, but can also be manifested as a stroke.

There are other factors that can affect cholesterol, such as lifestyle and genetics, but your cholesterol levels can usually be controlled through a combination of proper diet and exercise. Exercise has been shown to be a key component in the reduction of LDL and in keeping a healthy balance between the two cholesterol components.

Most of us are already aware that the highly saturated fats that are associated with fried and deep fried types of foods (such as potato chips, french fries, and some cooking oils) are one of the main sources of the "bad" or LDL cholesterol. Since there is no way of telling whether or not we have high cholesterol, it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis by your doctor or health care professional.

There is a lot more to taking care of your cholesterol that has been mentioned here. Cholesterol health is not obvious. Many, if not most of us, end up finding out that we have a cholesterol problem when it is too late. We are either in the hospital or dead! If you have not had your cholesterol checked within the past year it would be an excellent idea to consider checking with your doctor. The test is very simple and relativelyquick and easy. It could save your life.

If you have a weight problem and are looking for some answers, Mr. Bates has written a FREE article uncovering the answers to what it takes for continued weight loss and how stay on track. His article is called "Unleash The Thin Within". You can have it for free by clicking youreasyweightloss.com HERE. You can also check out his weightzapper.blogspot.com blog

Mr. Bates is a former personal trainer with a major TN health club. Mr. Bates now works as a Performance Psychology Consultant helping individuals to achieve their goals in many arenas. He is presently helping individuals in the area of weight loss.