How Do You Keep Cholesterol in Check?

Cholesterol-friend or foe? It's a tricky question. That is why it is extremely important to understand what cholesterol is and how it affects your health. Eating low cholesterol foods, exercising regularly, receiving regular cholesterol screenings, and following your doctor's recommendations can severely reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke due to high cholesterol. Learning how to manage your blood cholesterol levels can help you lead a stronger, happier life.

What is Cholesterol?

Before you start to monitor your cholesterol by eating cholesterol lowering foods, you should know what cholesterol is and the differences between "bad" cholesterol and "good" cholesterol."

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your bloodstream and every cell in your body. First off, it is important to note that cholesterol is normal. We all must have some cholesterol within our bodies. Without out it, your body would be unable to produce cell membranes and various hormones. But here is where it gets complicated. When your body has too much cholesterol, this waxy substance starts to form blockages in the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Two Kinds of Cholesterol

There are two different kinds of cholesterol your body houses. Some cholesterol your body actually makes itself. However, many foods high in cholesterol come from animal products, such as fish, poultry, meats, eggs, cheese, butter, etc.

Cholesterol is incapable of dissolving in the blood, so it is necessary for your body to transport it to and from the cells. The transporters are called lipoproteins.

Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL)-This is what is known as "bad" cholesterol. When too much of this kind of cholesterol circulates through the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of you arteries. When that happens, this thick cholesterol, along with other substances, can clog your arteries. Clogged arteries are the cause of strokes and heart attacks. Fatty food are considered LDL.

High-density Lipoproteins (HLD)-This is what is known as "good" cholesterol. HDL protects your body by carrying cholesterol away from your arteries back to the liver, therefore reducing the risk of clogs. Many experts also believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol in the arteries. This slows the buildup of dangerous blockages.

Functional Foods-What are They?

Have you ever heard of the term, "functional foods"? The Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board (IOM/FNB, 1994) defined functional foods as "any food or food ingredient that may provide a health benefit beyond the traditional nutrients it contains."

In other words, functional foods are processed or fresh, nutritious foods that contain ingredients that aid in helpful body functions.

Functional foods have been around since the 1920s, when scientists decided to add iodine to salt to prevent goiter. Soon, other nutritionists and scientists began to realize that by adding certain healthy vitamins and/or herbs to everyday foods items, they could make these foods more beneficial to the body. Some examples of functional foods are:

• Calcium-fortified orange juice
• Vitamin D milk
• Benecol margarine (which is said to lower cholesterol)
• Celestial Seasonings St. John's Wort Teas
• Soups with added Echinacea

Continue to: Foods to Lower Cholesterol

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