How to control your cholesterol

How to control your cholesterol

The cholesterol has been for the past few years one of the top subjects debated in medical TV programs, magazines and online articles. The interest showed for this subject is entitled because a high level of cholesterol indicates a serious health problem and could be life threatening.

Unlike the general impression, cholesterol is not really a fat. The cholesterol is an essential steroid that can be found in the cell membranes. Its main function is to create membrane permeability and fluidity, also contributing to the synthesis of bile acid, hormones and different vitamins.

Due to its nature the cholesterol can only be found in animal tissues so you can get it from meat, poultry, egg yolks, liver, butter, cheese, and other dairy products. From your stomach, the cholesterol goes to the liver and then goes into the blood stream to do his job as low density lipoproteins (LDL). The excess remains in the blood and eventually is deposited on the walls of arteries. In time this could cause atherosclerotic plaque.

On the other hand, high density lipoproteins (HDL) also known as “good cholesterol” it comes from the heart and picks up all the excess cholesterol, cleaning the blood and arteries. The cholesterol is brought back to the liver where is converted to bile that helps digestion.

A high cholesterol level increases the risk of heart attack so to have a healthy organism you should take good care of your dietary habits. First of all try to eat less fat and increase the intake of fish, seafood and plants as main source of fats in your body. These products contain “good cholesterol” that will lower your LDL cholesterol level.

Besides a healthy diet, exercise is another important factor in controlling your cholesterol. The aerobic exercise is the best form of exercise because it raises your HDL level and also helps reducing body fat.