Cholesterol 101
We’ve all heard about the dangers of high cholesterol, but what exactly is it? Cholesterol, a waxy substance produced naturally by the liver, insulates nerves and is a constituent of cell membranes. In addition to this naturally produced cholesterol, we ingest cholesterol contained in animal products, including meat and dairy, and saturated fats. When there is an excess of LDL (or bad) cholesterol in your bloodstream, it builds up in the artery walls, causing them to narrow over time, restricting blood flow to the heart. A heart attack is caused when blood flow to a portion of the heart is completely cut off. On the other hand, high levels of HDL (or good) cholesterol help protect against heart attacks. It is thought that HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver, which rids the body of it. Exercising and maintaining a healthy weight can help increase HDL and prevent high levels of bad cholesterol. Eating fruits and vegetables, increasing dietary fiber, and consuming only lean cuts of meat can help considerably reduce high levels of cholesterol.
