How Can Cholesterol Work in Your Favor?

While most experts tend to focus on the bad effects of too much fat, cholesterol is an important building block that the body needs. It contributes to the process of building cell membranes and improving their ability to function. It also helps with creation of several vitamins and hormones.

This substance also plays an essential role in the digestion process for lipids (fats). Because blood cannot dissolve it, it is either deposited or moved. For the latter to occur, it needs a vehicle. Lipoproteins come to the rescue. If the lipoprotein is an HDL (high density), it can carry products out of the arteries and into the liver where they can be processed and discarded. These high-density lipoproteins are truly heroic. They can also help break down the fatty deposits called plaques that cling to artery walls. If there are fewer plaques, there is less risk of arterial disease and lower likelihood of heart disease. If the lipoprotein is low in density, it can actually contribute to the build-up of plaques. Only HDL cholesterol is helpful.

Most people know that cholesterol is found in animal products. These include meat and dairy items like milk and cheese. However the body can make its own; usually as much as it needs. As discussed above, the body can also eliminate extra cholesterol but not always and not completely if large amounts are consumed. To avoid excess, diets should be rich in plant products, alternative proteins, lean meats, dairy products that are non fat or low fat, and foods that have little or no saturated fat or trans fat.

Habits can affect cholesterol too. It has been shown that a moderate amount of alcohol may help increase HDL. If a person already has one or two drinks per day, but not more, it could help maintain a healthy heart.

In addition, staying active can help increase HDL. Just walking, running or sprinting can also help reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Sometimes, good habits are not enough. Family history can also affect blood levels of fats and the propensity toward forming plaques. In this case, doctors have drugs that can assist the body counteract the deleterious effects of foods. Soon, they may also have options to help build HDL.

In any case, working to keep a healthy heart and clear arteries is one of the best choices a person can make. Many of us have room to improve our choices and limit cholesterol. Our lives and health are worth it.

Although it is true that there are actually both good and bad types of cholesterol, if you have high cholesterol levels overall, then you are in danger of many different health problems. Eating cholesterolarticles.com/high-cholesterol-food.html high cholesterol food could affect your cholesterolarticles.com/cholesterol-reading.html cholesterol reading which should have HDL levels above 60. Check out all the free, helpful articles on our website.