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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance that is found in all tissues. It is also found in animals. Plant foods do not contain cholesterol. Cholesterol is found in all meats and dairy products. After all the bad things that you've heard about cholesterol you will probably be surprised to find out that you need a certain amount of cholesterol.
Cholesterol is essential for your cell membranes, nerves, and certain hormones. It also helps your liver to make bile acids which help to digest your food. The bad side is that if cholesterol builds up in your arteries it can cause plaque to form. This can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Good Cholesterol- HDL: A high level of HDL seems to protect against heart attack. A lower level seems to indicate a greater risk. The causes for low HDL are being overweight, smoking, and not getting enough exercise.
Bad Cholesterol- LDL : LDL- cholesterol can build up in the walls of the arteries that feed the brain and heart. A high LDL-cholesterol increases your risk of heart attack. 130- 160 is borderline risk.
Most people can lower their cholesterol by eating a diet low in fats. They can also be lowered by not smoking losing weight and exercise. Try to stay away from fatty foods. Read labels when you go shopping for food. If you buy meat , buy the less fatty meats. Most grocery stores have the meats labeled as to how much fat is in the meat.
Buy two percent milk. Try to eat no more than two eggs a week. If you like eggs a lot save your two eggs for Sunday breakfast. Instead of butter use a vegetable margarine.
Eat a lot of fruits and vegetables. Have a salad everyday and use a lowfat salad dressing. There are many varieties and they are very tasty. Throw away the frying pan. Broil your meats instead of frying. If you must use cooking oil buy Canola oil or olive oil. Try to take a walk everyday. This will lower your cholesterol and you'll lose weight, too.
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