Some Myths About Cholesterol

Myth: All fatty foods tend to raise your cholesterol level.

The dietary fats we consume are all not alike. They are the saturated fatty acids (which contain single bonds between all its Carbon atoms) and the unsaturated fatty acids (which could contain a double bond or several double bonds between Carbon atoms) Monounsaturated fatty acids are the compounds with a single double bond and polyunsaturated fatty acids are the compounds with more than a single double bond.

Saturated fatty acids have the tendency of increasing the fat in our blood, in addition to the so called "bad" cholesterol known as low density lipoproteins or LDL as it is commonly called. Monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids have the tendency of decreasing the fat in our blood, in addition to decreasing LDL.

It must be kept in mind, however, that everything should be eaten in moderation. For instance if you consume a lot of fatty food you are consuming a lot of calories, as fats contain a high amount of calories; consuming a lot of calories means a weight gain and therefore a subsequent raise in cholesterol.

Myth: Cholesterol is not good for the body.

Cholesterol is essential for the proper and normal functioning of our system. Cholesterol is found in the membrane of living cells and acts as a barrier against harmful chemicals, prevents cell components from going outside the cell, it plays an important role in the formation of sex hormones, bile salts and vitamin D.

Myth: If you take vitamins like vitamin E and vitamin C you can lower your cholesterol level.

This is not so. There is not evidence to prove to support this.

Myth: Cholesterol is solely responsible for plaque in the arteries.

This is not so, a particular amino acid known as homocysteine, which is a by-product of the digesting proteins manufactured by the body, is equally responsible for plaque in arteries. This amino acid circulates in the arteries forming little ledges for the cholesterol molecules to cling on to. When a cholesterol molecule attaches itself on to these ledges it attracts further more cholesterol molecules to latch on. This builds up and gradually becomes plaque. Folic acid found in greens reduces homocysteine levels, which will then reduce the chances of a heart attack.

Myth: When your cholesterol level is high, you will feel sick.

Actually, there are no visible signs and symptoms that will tell you that your cholesterol levels are high. It will be indicated only by taking a lipid profile.

Myth: Only people who are overweight need to fear high cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol levels are generally as a result of the food that you eat including several other factors and are not dependent on your weight. Therefore, it is essential that individuals eat a well-balanced nutritious diet.

Myth: Only old people can have high cholesterol.

This is not so. With today's pressures of life and stress levels being so high, more and more young people are having high cholesterol and as a result many heart conditions. Therefore it is advisable checking cholesterol levels from the age of about twenty and getting it checked regularly every five years or so.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to cholesterol.guide-for-you.com Cholesterol