Cholesterol: The Truth about Cholesterol

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol, also known as Public Enemy #1, is a type of fat, but in reality, it isn't the bad guy.Excessive cholesterol is the real problem.

Where does cholesterol come from?

• Our body makes almost all the cholesterol it needs, which is about 1000mg a day.
• Cholesterol can come from the foods we eat.Americans sometimes eat as much as 500-900mg of cholesterol extra a day.Our body cannot destroy the cholesterol it produces.Therein, high cholesterol is the unwanted and unhealthy result.
• Heredity.You can be born with a predisposition to high cholesterol levels.

What's the truth about cholesterol?

1. Our bodies need cholesterol, the body's naturally occurring fat.
2. Cholesterol helps to maintain proper brain and neurotransmitter functions.
3. It builds our brain tissue and nerve tissue.
4. Cholesterol feeds our immune system.
5. It furnishes insulation around the electrical impulse transmitting nerves.
6. Cholesterol regulates cell function and cellular membranes.
7. It aids in fat-soluble digestion.
8. Estrogen and progesterone, a woman's most important hormones, are manufactured from cholesterol.
9. Cholesterol produces other hormones that prevent inflammation, provide energy, and control water retention.
10. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium and phosphorous metabolism is made from cholesterol.
11. Bile acids that are necessary for the digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, fats, and oils are derived from cholesterol.
12. Cholesterol is secreted by the glands that cover and protect our skin from harmful environmental factors.
13. Acting as an antioxidant, cholesterol provides relief when our body's supply is low.
14. Cholesterol can be controlled with diet and weight control.
15. Cholesterol cannot breakdown fatty acids, proteins, and sugars.

What's the truth?

High cholesterol levels now affect almost 60 million Americans.

What are healthy cholesterol numbers?

For most people, bad cholesterol levels should be below 100 and the good cholesterol levels should be 40 or above.Triglyceride levels should be below 150.However, if someone has heart disease or are prone to heart disease, they should strive for a lower bad cholesterol level and a higher good cholesterol level.

What are the fats we should consume?

Eating the right kinds of fats is imperative to a healthy life.

The types of fat that should be consumed are monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats.

• Monounsaturated fats are known as the healthiest fats because of their ability to lower bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels.You can find monounsaturated fats in almonds, apricots, avocados, canola, olives, and peanuts.
• Polyunsaturated fats are good fats because they lower triglyceride levels. The foods that provide the most benefit are anchovies, herring, salmon, and sardines. Plant sources that provide benefits include canola, flaxseed, pecans, soybean, and walnuts.

Photo Credit: Ben Sutherland

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