What is cholesterol? Cholesterol (also known as lipoprotein) is an organic polymer. It’s a triglyceride, a form of fat. Cholesterol is biosynthesised in the liver by all vertebrate tissues and is a key structural element of the cell membrane. In fact, it is very important to the health of the body as it carries out an important function.
Cholesterols bind together with other lipids in the cell membranes and are transported along the lipids through a transport protein. Cholesterols transport lipids from the interior of the cell to the outside where they interact with other molecules such as hormones, enzymes and a specialized enzyme called apolipoprotein E. In addition to acting as a carrier for lipids, cholesterol also has a role to play in the regulation of blood clotting and in the control of blood pressure.
Having said that, many people have difficulty maintaining a healthy lifestyle because they do not understand cholesterol. This makes it harder to control cholesterol. In fact, for people who are overweight, what they are actually consuming is more saturated fat than what they burn off when they exercise.
Cholesterols should be eaten in moderate quantities on a daily basis. Most people who have problems with their cholesterol will find that one or two small meals are sufficient for them to maintain a healthy diet. For many, this means avoiding any kind of fried foods. The exception to this rule would be those foods that are naturally low in cholesterol such as salmon and tuna.
Cholesterol should be consumed in an unsaturated form such as olive oil or canola oil. Olive oil contains the same amount of cholesterol as whole milk and can be used in the cooking process, however, it is easier to digest. Canola oil contains the same level of cholesterol as butter but is absorbed more easily into the digestive system.
Foods which contain lots of saturated fats are not recommended as these can raise blood cholesterol levels. Foods which are high in saturated fat tend to take longer to absorb into the body and are digested slowly. Eating too much saturated fat can cause problems like heart disease.
Trans-fats are a problem as they are a product of vegetable oil that is made to simulate the taste of meats. They are produced from hydrogenated oils. These trans-fats are then found in fast foods.
High quality fish like mackerel can help to improve the health of your cholesterol levels. It helps to remove cholesterol (what is cholesterol) from the arteries. Eating a variety of different types of fish such as salmon, tuna, trout and halibut can help to maintain a healthy balance of fats. You can also use omega 3 fish oils which are found in flax oil and sardines.
Healthy eating can help the body to digest and absorb food better. The right amount of exercise can also help to control cholesterol. If you are overweight, weight training and maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce your risk of having high cholesterol and even reduce your risk of developing heart disease.
Many studies suggest that when you exercise regularly it is a proven way to lower your cholesterol levels. A number of studies show that walking a mile each day or taking a brisk swim each day can help to prevent heart disease, stroke and even heart attacks.
There are a number of exercises which can help to increase your HDL cholesterol and lower your LDL levels. {HIGH HDL cholesterol is considered to be a good cholesterol, which prevents the build up of plaque that is harmful to the arteries. LDL is known as bad cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack. So if you want to be healthy and feel good, exercising is a proven way to do this.
When you eat a balanced diet, make sure you include several different foods that are high in good fats and fiber. Avoiding fried foods and trans fats is also important. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and eating foods rich in omega 3 fats can help you lower your cholesterol and stay healthy. Also, limit the consumption of junk foods and processed foods.
