About Cholesterol

Cholesterol is often considered threats arising from lifestyle and unhealthy food. Cholesterol is also considered a source of degenerative diseases such as heart disease and stroke. But really what is cholesterol? Did cholesterol where it came from, and how cholesterol whether it formed? The following sundries cholesterol to be discussed into 2 parts.

Definition CholesterolCholesterol is a fatty substance produced in the liver wax or intestines, is used for the synthesis of hormones and cell membranes that is transported in the blood plasma. The liver produces 75% of the cholesterol circulating in our blood. The other 25% comes from food. Cholesterol is a very important structural component of the plasma membrane of a mammal that is required to maintain proper membrane permeability and fluidity. Cholesterol also has an important role that is required for the manufacture of bile acids, steroid hormones and vitamin D.Signs High CholesterolThere are no definite signs that the high cholesterol patients. Cholesterol does not cause damage in the body. But over time, too much cholesterol can cause plaque buildup in the arteries. Known as atherosclerosis, the condition narrows the space available for blood flow and can lead to heart disease. The good news is high cholesterol is simple to detect, and there are many ways to lower it.Cholesterol testsPeople aged 20 years or older should check their cholesterol levels at least once every five years. This is done with a simple blood test known as a fasting lipoprotein profile. This measure various forms of cholesterol circulating in your blood after you avoid eating for nine to 12 hours. The results showed levels of good cholesterol, bad cholesterol and triglycerides.Cholesterol EvilMost of the cholesterol in the blood is carried by a protein called low density lipoprotein or LDL. This is known as bad cholesterol because it combines with other materials to clog arteries. Diets high in saturated fats and trans fats tend to raise LDL cholesterol levels. For most people, a score of LDL under 100 was healthy, but people with heart disease may need to aim even lower.Good cholesterolUp to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein or HDL. This is called the good cholesterol because it helps remove bad cholesterol, prevent build up in the arteries. The higher the level of HDL cholesterol, the better. People with too little are more likely to develop heart disease. Eating healthy fats, such as olive oil, can help increase HDL cholesterol.triglyceridesThe body converts excess calories, sugar, and alcohol into triglycerides, a type of fat carried in the blood and stored in fat cells throughout the body. People who are overweight smoker, inactive, or heavy drinkers tend to have high triglycerides, as do those who eat a diet very high in carbohydrates. Value triglycerides 150 or higher puts you at risk for metabolic syndrome, which is associated with heart disease and diabetes.Total CholesterolTotal cholesterol measures the combination of LDL, HDL, and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) in your bloodstream. VLDL is a precursor to LDL, the bad cholesterol. The value of total cholesterol under 200 is considered healthy in many cases. People who score in the range of "high" have an increased risk of heart disease compared with those who received a score below 200.Cholesterol ratioTo calculate your cholesterol ratio, divide your total cholesterol by your HDL cholesterol. For example, the total score of 200 divided by 50 equals a score of HDL cholesterol ratio of 4 to 1. Doctors recommend maintaining a ratio of 4 to 1 or lower. The smaller the ratio, the better. While this number is useful in estimating the risk of heart disease, it is not important in guiding treatment. Doctors look at total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol to determine treatment.Cholesterol in foodCholesterol-rich foods, such as eggs, shrimp, and lobster are no longer completely prohibited. Research shows that the cholesterol we eat only a small effect on blood cholesterol levels for most people. Some people are "responder," whose blood levels spike after eating eggs. But for the most part, saturated fat and trans fat is a greater concern. Daily cholesterol limit of 300 mg for healthy people and 200 mg for those at high risk. One egg has 186 mg of cholesterol.Cholesterol and Family HistoryCholesterol comes from two sources - the body and the food - and one can contribute to high cholesterol. Some people inherit genes that trigger the production of too much cholesterol. For others, diet is the main cause. Saturated fat and cholesterol occurs in animal-based foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy products made with milk. In many cases, high cholesterol is derived from a combination of diet and genetics.

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