Low Hdl Levels | A Metabolic Plan

Cholesterol – What do I Need to Know?

Filed under: cholesterol, health and nutrition; Tagged as: Apolipoprotein B, Bad Cholesterol, Cholesterol Hdl, Cholesterol Levels, coronary artery disease, Excess Cholesterol, Good Cholesterol, High Density Lipoproteins, Hormone Imbalances, Ldl Levels, Low Density Lipoproteins, Low Hdl Levels

So what is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty (lipid) component found in virtually all cell membranes. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also called “bad cholesterol,” transport cholesterol from the liver to different organs. Cholesterol is then absorbed by the cells around the body. Excess cholesterol is reabsorbed by the liver and reused or excreted into bile.

High-density lipoproteins (HDL), known as “good cholesterol,” help to remove cholesterol from artery walls by scooping up loose cholesterol and delivering it back to the liver. By removing this excess cholesterol, HDL helps to retard the growth of new plaque.This is why low HDL levels are an additional risk factor for increased mortality from coronary artery disease and strokes.

Cholesterol is the precursor for hormones such as pregnenolone, DHEA, progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. As aging occurs in the body, organs may break the cholesterol down at a slower rate, thereby causing hormone levels to vary; some increasing, some decreasing and some remaining unchanged. Many of the diseases, including depression, abdominal weight gain, prostate, breast and heart disease, are directly related to hormone imbalances.

What can I do about my cholesterol?

While cholesterol levels can be influenced by dietary modification about 80% of cholesterol does not come from dietary sources, but is synthesized by the liver by an enzyme which increases or decreases the production of cholesterol. Other than certain genetic causes, it is the excessive consumption of saturated and trans fatty acids which disrupts the process and may cause an increase in LDL levels. Current belief is that these high levels of LDL may lead over time to atherosclerosis and ultimately to heart disease. For those with a high risk for heart disease, I would recommend learning more about the two types of LDL (apolipoprotein-B and apolipoprotein A) and how they play a significant role in heart health.

Supplements that contain plant sterols have been shown to reduce cholesterol. Exercise is also extremely important and does not need to be excessive. However, it should be consistent for a least a half-hour several times a week. For dietary changes, stick to high fiber, green leafy vegetables and fruits and include bran cereals and oatmeal as well as nuts, which have an added benefit of containing essential fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids are best found in fish oil and are known to aid in lowering cholesterol. High fiber foods and plant sterols are beneficial because they aid the body in eliminating cholesterol before it is absorbed.

There have been many changing theories about the role cholesterol plays in coronary artery disease in the last decade. But the one thing that stays constant is that for most people eating healthy helps to control cholesterol levels and that’s got to be good for you and your overall health.