cholesterol is a soft, fatlike, waxy substance that is found in the bloodstream and in the body’s cells. It is found in the family of lipids along with fat. The body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to aid in the formation and maintenance of cell membranes to help the body resist changes in temperatures and protect and insulate nerve fibers. cholesterol is also used in the production of normal sex hormones in the body including progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, and cortisone. Also, it produces bile salts, which help in digestion, and converts vitamin D in the skin when it is exposed to sunlight.

Although everyone needs cholesterol for normal body functions, too much cholesterol can lead to cardiovascular disease, which can result in a heart attack. cholesterol and fat cannot travel through the body in their original form because they do not mix with water, the main component of blood. cholesterol and fat are grouped with proteins to make lipoproteins, which travel through the blood. There are three types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).

LDL is known as “bad” cholesterol. Having too much LDL can cause some cholesterol to stick to blood vessels forming plaques; these are thick, hard deposits that can cause arteries to clog. This condition is called atherosclerosis, and it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because it picks up the LDL cholesterol that sticks to the blood vessel walls and takes it back to the liver where it is eventually eliminated out of the body.

VLDLs are made in the liver to carry fat to other parts of the body. The leftover pieces change into LDL.

Triglycerides are also important. They are a form of fat found in the blood. Triglycerides come from fats in foods or are made in the body from energy sources like carbohydrates. Calories eaten during a meal that are not used immediately by tissues are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells to be stored. Having elevated triglycerides can also be a complication due to diabetes.

Where does cholesterol come from?

One gets cholesterol through two ways. The body makes some in the liver to keep the cells working; the rest comes from foods. Foods high in cholesterol include fatty meats, poultry, fish, eggs, butter, cheese, and whole milk. Foods high in saturated fat can allow the body to overproduce cholesterol.

It’s important for you to know what your cholesterol levels should be and to keep an eye on your levels over time. A simple chart can help you do that. Ask your healthcare provider for the target cholesterol levels he or she recommends for you; Whenever you have a blood test measuring your cholesterol, ask for the results and record them; Be sure to include the date your blood was tested in the top row of the chart.

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