Cholesterol: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly!

You hear a great deal about cholesterol these days—but you still may not understand its effect upon the human body.  For instance, cholesterol is actually an essential component of cells.  It plays an important role in the production of nerve tissue, digestive bile, and sex hormones.   

The Link Between Cholesterol and Heart Disease
Yet, there is an undeniable link between excessive accumulation of cholesterol and heart disease.  Extra cholesterol in the body can clog the blood vessels, causing arteriosclerosis.  If Americans reduced their cholesterol level by 25 percent, they could cut the incidence of strokes and heart attacks by as much as 50 percent.  It has been said that, for every one percent reduction in blood cholesterol, the risk of heart attack is reduced by two percent.

Types of Cholesterol
There are two main types of cholesterol:  high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, and low-density lipoprotein, or LDL.  HDL removes excess fats from the blood, while LDL increases the incidence of strokes and heart attacks.   The trick, then, is to eat foods that reduce LDL but allow you to enjoy the benefits of HDL. 

A Diet Plan That Works
With just a few dietary changes, you can improve your cholesterol count.

• Avoid eggs as they have high levels of LDL. Keep in mind that it is the egg yolk, rather than the egg white, that is bad for you.


• Avoid fried foods and hydrogenated oils, which are high in LDL.


• Eliminate high-sugar products from your diet, since they will increase your LDL.


• Avoid meat products and shellfish, such as crabs, shrimp, and lobster. However, other types of fish can actually reduce bad cholesterol levels.


• Avoid fast foods as they usually have an incredibly high fat content and are therefore rich in LDL.


• Use non-fat dairy products to keep your LDL under control.

Check Out These Good Foods
While there is a lengthy list of foods you’ll want to avoid, there are also some foods that you’ll want to embrace.  For instance, consider no-fat dairy products, non-shell fish (which are high in Omega-3 and thus can lower cholesterol), soy products, and nuts such as walnuts, almonds, pecans, and peanuts.   All of these foods should help you to keep bad cholesterol at bay.

Indulge in Exercise
It is also appropriate for you to engage in exercise.  This can keep you and your heart happy and healthy.  It’s a great way to burn off calories and to keep you fit.  The combination of a sensible diet and a regular exercise routine can increase your longevity and help safeguard you against heart attacks.