What is Cholesterol and What Should We Do About It?

Cholesterol is a chemical compound which is found in the membranes of normal cells in our bodies. This compound helps membranes stay permeable for chemical substances and preserve an appropriate fluidity, thus making it easier for various molecules to pass through the membrane in and out of the cell. Cholesterol is also involved in the production of bile acids within the body, as well as in the production of several vitamins (D, A, E and K). Besides this, cholesterol molecules are used in the synthesis of important hormones: cortisol, aldosterone, testosterone, progesterone, and estrogens.

"Good" over "bad". What to do?

Despite its huge importance for the body, high levels of cholesterol may cause some serious damage to the heart and arteries. We have all heard about "good cholesterol" and "bad cholesterol" but few of us know what it actually means. The fact is that molecules that carry cholesterol around the body (lipoproteins) are of three types: low-density molecules carry cholesterol from the liver, where it is synthesized to the cells, where it should be used, but if the necessary amount is exceeded, cholesterol is deposited in the cells - this is "bad cholesterol"; high density lipoproteins are molecules that do the opposite - carry cholesterol from the cells to the liver, where it is further transformed, these molecules are often called "good cholesterol"; the third type of lipoproteins involved in cholesterol transport are triglycerides. Attention should be paid to keeping "bad cholesterol" levels lower than "good cholesterol" levels.

Though "high" and "low" are abstract notions even among doctors, they still affirm that everyone should watch their cholesterol levels, especially if there is a history of heart disease in the family. Besides that, experts recommend regular physical exercise and a healthy diet to those who fight with high cholesterol levels.

In order to reduce your "bad cholesterol" without drugs, balance your diet, and make sure it contains the following foods: apples, limes, avocadoes, mangoes, green leafy vegetables, blueberries, peanuts, mushrooms, fish (especially tuna and salmon), garlic, soy products, flax oil, and olive oil. Remember to replace hamburgers with chicken or turkey and exclude egg yellows of your diet; you may eat two egg whites instead. Keep in mind that it's always better (and safer) to prevent than to treat cholesterol, and regular physical exercises and a healthy diet may be just the right thing to keep you away from it!

Sources:
Dr. Trisha Macnair, Cholesterol, BBC Health
10 top foods to help you fight high cholesterol, FightCholesterol.org

Foods that lower cholesterol naturally, Buzzle.com