What is Cholesterol?

By making use of the saturated fats found in foods such as eggs, liver, kidneys and prawns the liver produces the waxy substance known as cholesterol. Cholesterol does play an important part in the operation of every cell in the body, and it is also used to produce other important chemicals. The problems start when too much cholesterol appears in the blood stream and is deposited on the walls of the heart’s arteries.

Proteins carry the cholesterol around the body, when the proteins and cholesterol are combined they are known as lipoproteins, and there are two types known as Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL). LDL is the so called bad cholesterol, which is deposited in the arteries. HDL is the good cholesterol because it returns the LDL back to the liver instead of allowing it to clog up arteries. It goes without saying that we want to have plenty of HDL available as this reduces the risk of coronary disease. When the LDL gains the upper hand, we are at an increased risk of coronary disease.

There is one more fatty substance that can be found in the blood. It is known as Triglyceride, and must also be taken into account when considering a person’s total cholesterol level. Triglycerides are found in dairy products, meats and some cooking oils. The liver can also produce Triglycerides and it can also enter the blood stream from fat already stored in the body. Just as with LDL, high levels of Triglycerides place people at an increased risk of coronary disease.

It is important to follow a healthy diet if you wish to keep your cholesterol levels well managed. Strip that fat is an excellent diet product that will prove to be immensely helpful to those looking to lower their cholesterol levels. This book covers what to eat and when to eat it, looks at proper portion control and how to train your mind for long term weight loss. I strongly recommend this book to you as an important ally in your goal in controlling your cholesterol.