LDL Cholesterol

Understanding ldl Cholesterol

Understanding the balance between LDL Cholesterol and HDL Cholesterol is critical to a healthy cholesterol level

We have two types of cholesterol, which may be confusing at first. HDL [High Density Lipoprotein] is one, and it is sometimes called ‘good cholesterol’ because it can protect your heart. LDL [Low Density Lipoproteins], which is frequently called ‘bad cholesterol’ because it can clog your arteries and in extreme cases, lead to death. We have both kinds of cholesterol in our bodies and we need both. The balance between them is vital to our continued good health. It is a clear indication as to whether your heart is receiving healthy nourishment or is in need of some help.

The link between high cholesterol and heart disease has been well established in numerous research studies. The higher the cholesterol level, the greater the risk is of us suffering from some form of heart disease. It’s really that simple. High cholesterol is very common but the good news is that we can do something about it. We all want lower cholesterol. The difficulty is that most of us have a hard time lowering our high cholesterol. We all have our favorite foods and it is highly likely that many of them contain high levels of cholesterol.

For most people with high cholesterol the remedy lies in healthy lifestyle choices, like a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and plenty of whole grains.

LDL Cholesterol and it’s effects

LDL Cholesterol – low-density lipoproteins can leave deposits of plaque on the walls your arteries as they pass through your bloodstream. As the plaque builds-up, blood cannot pass through your system as efficiently as it should and your heart will have to work harder to pump the blood through your body. This increased effort puts a strain on your heart is what increases your risk of heart and cardiovascular disease. This process is amplified as the lipoproteins accumulate in your blood so this is the type of cholesterol that you need to keep on the low side to protect your heart.

The cholesterol number for your LDL cholesterol should be 100mg/dL or less, and anything higher than 130 mg/dL is cause of concern.

LDL Cholesterol and Trans Fats

Trans-fats are man-made fats. Eating Trans fats will increase your risk of developing heart disease, having a stroke and developing type 2 diabetes. These trans fats exist in many foods; you’re likely to find them in fried foods such as French fries, doughnuts and baked goods including pastries, pie crusts, pizza dough, biscuits, crackers and cookies.

Try to eat a healthy diet, get regular physical activity and avoid smoking. If you’ve made these important lifestyle changes and your total cholesterol level, particularly your LDL cholesterol, remains high then your doctor may recommend some form of medication.

LDL Cholesterol and Saturated Fats

Saturated fat is easily converted into LDL Cholesterol, which as we said may attach to the walls of your arteries. An abundance of foods that contain a high level of cholesterol also contain a lot of saturated fats. Saturated fats are usually found in animal products such as egg yolks, meats such as pork, lamb and beef. They are also present in poultry, fish, high fat dairy products, whole milk, cream, butter, and cheese. There are some plant-based saturated fats you should avoid too, notably palm kernel oil, coconut oil, and vegetable shortening.

LDL Cholesterol - footnote:

When looking at High Cholesterol the other factors that we need to consider are HDL [High Density Lipoprotein], lipoproteins, serum cholesterol, and dietary cholesterol, saturated fats, atherosclerosis, and coronary artery disease.

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