Cholesterol, a beginner’s guide.

Cholesterol, a beginner’s guide.

Introduction The purpose of this article is to give you an initial introduction to the meaning of cholesterol, what causes it and why does your body have it. Once you have this initial grounding and understanding, you can then move on to reading more complex articles such as those that can be found at http://www.cholesterolarterydisease.com What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat like substance that comes from certain foods, it is also produced by our own bodies. There are two types of cholesterol, commonly referred to as 'bad cholesterol” and 'good cholesterol” 'Bad cholesterol” delivers cholesterol to our bodies. 'Good cholesterol' takes cholesterol out of the bloodstream. Do we need cholesterol in our bodies? Cholesterol is a vital part of our bodies. It is needed for our brain to function and is a main component of our cells. What are the risks of cholesterol? It has been shown that to have high levels of blood cholesterol can lead to heart disease. This is due to cholesterol being deposited in the arteries. Where does it come from? Cholesterol is found naturally in the following foods. Eggs Milk Butter Cheese Fish Meat Poultry Certain foods contain a high cholesterol content such as: Liver Dairy fats Egg yolks How is cholesterol measured? Your cholesterol level can be a guide to the condition of your health, in particular your life expectancy. The USA and UK have different ways of measuring cholesterol, so make sure you don’t mix them up if do a comparison. If you are concerned about your cholesterol level you should visit your doctor to have it measured. This is done by taking a sample of your blood. Your doctor can then present you with a plan to help get your cholesterol level back to normal. What if you have a high cholesterol count? Generally, if you have a high cholesterol level, you will be told to go on to a diet of low cholesterol foods such as: Whole grains Beans Fruit Your doctor may also give you the option of medication to assist in reducing your cholesterol level. It is not possible for you to know if you have a high cholesterol level without having it measured. So as a precaution you should at least take steps to establish your current cholesterol level. Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Do not alter your diet or start taking medication without consulting with your doctor or health provider. About the Author Colin Beach is a freelance writer for http://www.cholesterolarterydisease.com Visit the following web site for more information: Low cholesterol You’ll find several articles relating to specific aspects of cholesterol.