Cholesterol is an odorless soft waxy
substance. Your body needs cholesterol to function normally (for
an example; as a component of cell membranes and for the production
of many hormones, Vitamin D, and bile acids, which are important
for the absorption of fat). Cholesterol is present in all parts
of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscle, skin
liver and intestines, heart, skeleton, etc.
Your blood cholesterol level is affected
not only by the saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet, but
also by the cholesterol your body produces. As a matter of fact,
your body produces all the cholesterol it needs, and the saturated
fat and cholesterol in your diet only serve to increase your blood
cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol travels in blood packages
called lipoproteins. All lipoproteins are formed in the liver and
carry cholesterol through out the body.
Blood cholesterol packaged in low
density lipoproteins (LDLs) is transported from the liver to other
parts of the body where it can be used. LDLs carry most of the cholesterol
in the blood, and if not removed from the blood, cholesterol and
fat can build up in the arteries contributing to atherosclerosis.
This is why LDL cholesterol is often called "bad cholesterol".
Cholesterol is also packaged in a
high density Lipoproteins (HDLs). HDLs carry cholesterol back to
the liver for processing or removal from the body. HDLs, therefore,
help remove cholesterol from the blood, preventing the accumulation
of cholesterol in the walls of the arteries. Thus they are often
referred to as "good cholesterol".
LDL and HDL levels provide information
on your risk of developing coronary heart disease. A high LDL cholesterol
level or a low HDL cholesterol level puts you at increased risk.
LDL and HDL cholesterol levels more accurately predict your risk
for coronary heart disease than a total cholesterol level alone.
