How Can Cholesterol Be Good For You?

Though most articles discuss the dark side of cholesterol, it is actually essential to good health. Among other things, it helps build cell membranes and assists with their functions, making them more efficient. It also plays a role in producing vitamins and manufacturing hormones.

Cholesterol helps with the digestion of fats or lipids. Since it doesn't dissolve in the blood by itself, it has to be carried around by transporters called lipoproteins. When these lipoproteins are high-density (HDL), they move away from arteries and toward the liver where substances are processed so they can leave the body. HDL also may help dissolve plaques, or deposits of fats, attached to artery walls. This helps reduce arterial disease and protect the body from heart attacks. More and more studies are showing how HDL contributes to good health.

The body makes its own cholesterol. In many cases, the body makes as much as it needs. However, animal products like meat, cheese and milk can also contain this substance. The body can get rid of some of the excess but not extreme amounts. Trying to eat plant products like fruits and vegetables is best. Adding healthy animal products like lean meats, non-fat dairy products, and foods low in saturated fats is also fine. Experimenting with alternative sources of protein like beans is even better.

Some studies have shown that moderate consumption of alcohol may increase HDL. A moderate amount is defined as no more than one or two drinks each day. No one should start drinking to gain HDL as this can lead to other problems. The point is that some alcohol may help heart health.

The best news is that physical activity may help increase HDL. That means that improving health may be as simple as getting moving. Exercise will also increase the chance of avoiding diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. No marathons are required. A daily walk is a good start.

Of course, if genetic makeup or past habits have put someone in danger, a doctor may be able to prescribe medicine. Drugs are now being developed that may help increase HDL. It is worth pursuing. As little as a 5 percent drop in HDL can mean a 25 percent increase in risk of heart disease.

The key to having cholesterol work for the body rather than against it is choosing an active lifestyle and consuming a diet with little or no saturated fat or trans fat.

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 well raise your cholesterolarticles.com/normal-cholesterol-level.html normal cholesterol level. Check out all the free, helpful information on our website.