What Causes Elevated Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that occurs naturally in the body. If too much cholesterol is present in the bloodstream the excess is deposited in the arteries. Cholesterol is not a cause of heart disease or stroke, but it is a pointer to the disease. The culprit is Homocysteine, a protein produced in the blood during the metabolic process when an amino acid meets and is joined by another amino acid containing sulfur. Cholesterol is carried in the blood stream by lipoproteins. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries most of the cholesterol from the liver to the cells.

LDL is sometimes referred to as the "bad" cholesterol and HDL is sometimes referred to as the "good" cholesterol. HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries. LDL is the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. When our cholesterol, in the LDL form becomes too high it can build up on the walls of the arteries in our bodies contributing to the formation of plaque buildup, known as atherosclerosis.

Fat is not produced by the body itself but is provided through diet. It is found only in food of animal origin. It is needed for growth and to store energy for the body. You use cholesterol to make hormones, Vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Cholesterol is necessary to keep the body functioning normally. The liver manufactures enough cholesterol for normal cell processes such as building cell walls and producing hormones.

However, too much "bad" cholesterol is dangerous.High Cholesterol foods include found eggs, dairy products, meat, and poultry. Egg yolks and organ meats (liver, kidney, sweetbread, and brain). You should avoid anything fried and greasy. Also, shrimp and shellfish are relatively high in cholesterol. Excessive consumption of high fat foods particularly those containing saturated fats and trans fats will raise the total cholesterol level in blood.

Reducing the amount of saturated fats and cholesterol you eat is a very important step in reducing many potential health risks. Adding plenty of vegetables and complex carbohydrates such as beans, legumes, grains and fruits will improve any ill conditions. Nuts are also a great way to balance a healthy regime. They contain loads of essential fatty acids as well as plant sterols proven to lower cholesterol levels by as much as 13%. Knowing your facts and taking action is the best solution for overall health.

Nuts are well known to contain good fats (HDL) and incorporating them into your diet is essential to your overall health. Hemp seeds have an amazing balance of essential fatty acids and plant sterols that are proven to reduce high cholesterol. To learn more about hemp seeds and their nutritional value, visit hemp-guide.com/hemp-hearts.html hemp-guide.com/hemp-hearts.html