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As with some fats, cholesterol cannot be dissolved in the blood. Instead, molecules called lipoproteins carry cholesterol to and from cells. Molecules are made from an outer layer of protein and an inner core of both cholesterol and triglycerides, which is another form of fat.
Lipoproteins equip the cholesterol to move around the body. The two main types of lipoproteins are:
1) High Density Lipoproteins (HDL.)
HDL transports cholesterol from cells back to the liver.
HDL is either reused or converts to bile acids and disposed. This is known as "good" cholesterol. You want to ensure that your levels of this cholesterol remain high for optimum heart health, since having too low levels of HDL - even when other cholesterol levels are normal - may lead to heart problems. As you work to lower your bad cholesterol it is important to also take steps and to keep your HDL levels normal.
Understanding The Types Of CholesterolWhile most people talk about cholesterol levels there is in fact more than one type of cholesterol. In fact, there are several different body functions and several different substances that make up our understanding of cholesterol. As with some fats, cholesterol cannot be dissolved in the blood. Instead, molecules called lipoproteins carry cholesterol to and from cells. Molecules are made from an outer layer of protein and an inner core of both cholesterol and triglycerides, which is another form of fat. Lipoproteins equip the cholesterol to move around the body. The two main types of lipopr ..
HDL aids to ensure protection from the risk of heart attack and/or stroke. HDL consists of more protein than triglycerides or cholesterol, and aids to remove LDL from your artery walls.
2) Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL.)
LDL carries approximately 60_70% of cholesterol around the body and are known as bad" cholesterol.
Studies show conclusively that high cholesterol leads to much higher risk of heart attack and/or stroke. Other factors involved in this risk are age, gender, smoking, family history of heart disease, and diabetes mellitus.
Obviously, when we speak of having cholesterol levels we mean more than one number. To maintain optimum health, you will need to know your levels of both LDL and HDL and will need to work hard to keep both levels in healthy ranges.
Lower Cholesterol with Natural Foods
Blood cholesterol is mainly of two types: LDL and HDL cholesterol. Both the types of cholesterol are produced by our body to perform certain functions and are always present in our blood. A total blood cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol of less than 130 mg/dL and HDL cholesterol more than 35mg/dL are considered good for the health of our heart. The problem arises when our body produces more LDL and total cholesterol and less HDL cholesterol than the above mentioned figures.
What you should do if you have high cholesterol then what? It is not always necessary to take medica ..
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Mike LindseyUnderstanding the Types of Cholesterol
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