The American Medical Association (AMA) warns against high blood cholesterol levels and has provided guidelines to the general public for identifying risks leading to atherosclerosis, a heart attack, angina and stroke.
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Learn More About Cholesterol And Nutrition Options
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Cholesterol is a fat soluble alcohol (a sterol) that is produced mainly in the liver and is important for normal body functions.
How much endogenous cholesterol is synthesized reflects individual genetics/family histories.
Age, sex and ethnicity also may be important risk factors for expressing deadly diseases.
Biological functions of cholesterol include the following:
- important component of cell membranes
- involved in cell permeability
- precursor to adrenal and sex hormones
- bile synthesis
- associated with metabolism of the fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)
As cholesterol is naturally made, dietary cholesterol consumption is not required.
Blood cholesterol is carried, among others including triglycerides, by two types of lipoproteins commonly abbreviated as:
- LDL (low-density lipoprotein)
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein)
A blood test can measure total cholesterol and individual components (LDL, HDL and triglycerides).
A total cholesterol value below 200 mg/dL is encouraged by the medical community (see NIH Blood, Heart and Lung Institute website).
Bad, Good Cholesterol
LDL is the most prevalent form and considered the bad cholesterol - it transfers cholesterol to cells from the liver.
A blood value less than 100 mg/dL is recommended by the AMA; higher numbers increase the risk of arterial disease.
A blood value less than 100 mg/dL is recommended by the AMA; higher numbers increase the risk of arterial disease.
HDL transfers cholesterol from cells to the liver for removal from the body and is referred to as the good cholesterol - a blood value of 60 mg/dL and above is desired.
Triglycerides associated with cholesterol form the blood fat - blood values under 150 mg/dL are suggested.
Medications including statins that lower LDL levels are an option for many individuals.
Other factors having a negative health impact by contributing to high cholesterol numbers include:
The Mayo Clinic identifies food choices that can lower cholesterol levels.
Consumption of plant sterols have been promoted to decrease LDL levels - these compounds are found in certain plant products (wheat germ; some vegetables and fruits)
Note: Cholesterol Greek word origins were obtained from Wikipedia.
Yoga And Nutrition #Cholesterol #LDL #HDL
Other factors having a negative health impact by contributing to high cholesterol numbers include:
- poor food choices
- sedentary lifestyle
- being overweight/obese
- smoking
- alcohol
Foods with high saturated fats and trans fats should be avoided - both are metabolized to increase LDL levels and can over time contribute to cardiovascular disease.
The Mayo Clinic identifies food choices that can lower cholesterol levels.
Consumption of plant sterols have been promoted to decrease LDL levels - these compounds are found in certain plant products (wheat germ; some vegetables and fruits)
[see Cleveland Clinic and Joslin Diabetes Center websites].
Note: Cholesterol Greek word origins were obtained from Wikipedia.
Yoga And Nutrition #Cholesterol #LDL #HDL
