What is cholesterol?What is cholesterol, you ask? Many people think of cholesterol as a type of fat. This is partially true. Cholesterol is a sterol (a steroid and alcohol) and also a lipid (fat).
Where does cholesterol come from?  Around two thirds of the cholesterol found in our blood is made by the liver. We also get cholesterol through the food we eat (dietary cholesterol). Dietary cholesterol is not found in plant foods, it only comes from animal products such as egg yolks, offal meats and full fat dairy products. See our list of high cholesterol foods.Why high cholesterol is a problem High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease. Here's why: if you have too much cholesterol circulating in your blood, it can build up on the inner lining of your arteries, narrowing them and making it hard for blood to flow through. If narrowed arteries become clogged completely, blood will not be able to get through, which may result in lack of oxygen to the heart (heart attack) or brain (stroke). Other key risk factors for heart disease include smoking and high blood pressure. How do I know if I have high cholesterol? You'll need to speak to your Doctor. Finding out your cholesterol levels involves a simple blood test. Cholesterol myths Many people think that exercising or taking cholesterol medications alone will protect them against heart disease completely. This is just not the case. Similarly, it is common for people to believe that foods labeled 'cholesterol free' are heart friendly and can be eaten in abundance, but there can be a catch with claims on food packets such as this. Click here to read about the most common cholesterol myths, and iron out the truth. Hopefully this page gives you more of an understand about the question 'what is cholesterol?' Click here to learn more about how to lower cholesterol naturally. Return from 'what is cholesterol?' to Home Page
|
