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Cholesterol is a waxy,
fat-like substance occurring naturally in the body cells.
Cholesterol is an essential component of the body because it is used
used for producing cell membranes and some hormones, bile acid and
vitamin D. Cholesterol is also required for some other vital
functions of the body. But too much cholesterol in the blood is not
desirable as it will be deposited in the arteries that causes
coronary heart disease and stroke. It is very important to get
the cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis.
Cholesterol and other fats can
not dissolve in the blood. They are carried onto the blood by
lipoproteins.
The two main type of lipoproteins are LDL and HDL.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is the
main cholesterol carrier and transports cholesterol from the
liver to the cells where it is needed. Too much LDL
cholesterol (160
mg/dL and above) in the blood is a risk factor for
heart disease as it can cause deposition of plaque in arteries.
Therefore , LDL cholesterol is known as 'bad cholesterol', and
lower levels are better.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL). It is responsible to
transport cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver,
where it is either broken down or excreted as a waste product.
Therefore, it is known as as 'good cholesterol', and higher
levels are better.
Low HDL levels (less than 40 mg/dL in men; less than 50 mg/dL in
women) indicates a greater risk for heart disease.
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Triglycerides are not cholesterol but another type of fat
floating in the blood. A high level of triglycerides increases the risk
of cardiovascular problems. It should be kept at a level of less than
150 mg/dL.
Sources of cholesterol
Based on the source, the cholesterol can be endogenous or exogenous.
Endogenous cholesterol refers to cholesterol that is made inside the
body by liver and other cells. Exogenous cholesterol is the
cholesterol that comes from outside of the body. It enters into our body
through the food we eat. Cholesterol is only found in animal products
mainly meat, poultry, fish, pork, and dairy products. Organ meats, such
as liver, are especially high in cholesterol content, while foods of
plant origin contain no cholesterol.
According to World Health Organization estimates, almost 20% of
all strokes and over 50% of all heart attacks can be linked to high
cholesterol. |
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