What is Cholesterol and What do I need to Know?
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is the type of fat in your cells that is produced by the liver and is essential for many of the body’s metabolic processes, including hormone and bile production and helping the body to use Vitamin D. It is carried around your body, via the blood stream by little ‘couriers’ called lipoproteins.
Your body produces all he cholesterol you need so there is no need to eat foods high in cholesterol. In fact, if your cholesterol gets over 5.5mmols per litre, it can lead to heart disease.
There are two types of Cholesterol; Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, also known as LDL, and High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, which also known as HDL. LDL is often referred to as the ‘bad’ cholesterol as when it enters the bloodstream it clogs your arteries. HDL, on the other hand, is referred to as the ‘good’ cholesterol as it helps to take the ‘bad’ cholesterol out of the blood stream. The problem people have today though is when the cholesterol that has been returned from the liver because it can’t use it enters the bloodstream, becomes too much and can start to build up and become fatty deposits. This can end up blocking the bloodstream and lead to heat disease and strokes.
What causes High Cholesterol Levels?
Your Cholesterol levels mainly affected by various foods such as fatty meats, full fat dairy products, processed foods (e.g. salami, sausages etc.), deep fried foods, cakes, biscuits and pastries; but are also affected by such things as having high blood sugar levels and smoking.
How do I lower my Cholesterol Levels?
The way to go with lowering your Cholesterol levels is by reducing or even eliminating the foods that cause high Cholesterol levels and instead go for lean meats, more vegetables, fruit and lentils, have reduced fat dairy products, have fish twice a week, reduce your alcohol intake to no more than 2 drinks a day, don’t smoke and exercise regularly. This just basically means limit the amount of Cholesterol-rich foods you eat and have a better lifestyle and your levels will drop in no time.
What is a 'Cholesterol Test' and why do I need one?
A ‘Cholesterol Test’ is a blood test that measures the amount of lipids you have in your blood. You need one to see whether or not your Cholesterol levels are raised, so if they are you are aware of it and can bring the back down.
When do I need the test?
It’s recommended to have a ‘Cholesterol Test’ if you are 45 or older but if you have Diabetes, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, a history of cardiovascular disease, a genetic disease causing high lipid levels or Chronic Kidney Disease, your doctor may suggest for you to have one.
