High cholesterol can have a huge impact on our heart health, and science has given us a lot of insight into this issue. Cholesterol is a waxy substance produced by our body, but it’s most commonly found in certain foods such as fatty meats and dairy products, it can also be found in certain vegetable oils. It is considered to be an important building block for our cells and is essential for many of our body’s functions.
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Cholesterol and Heart Disease
When cholesterol levels in our body become too high, it can start to build up in our arteries, causing them to harden and narrow, which can lead to heart disease. This is the main cause of death in the United States and many other countries, so it’s important to know what our cholesterol levels are and how we can keep them in a healthy range.
LDL and HDL Cholesterol
When talking about cholesterol, we typically refer to two main types: Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol is the “bad” cholesterol, and when it’s too high, it can start to build up in our arteries. HDL Cholesterol, on the other hand, is the “good” type and can help remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries.
Managing Cholesterol Levels
There are a few ways we can manage our cholesterol levels, including eating a balanced diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking. Eating foods low in saturated fats, such as fish and lean meats, can also help lower LDL cholesterol levels. In addition, certain drugs such as statins can be used to help lower cholesterol levels if diet and exercise aren’t enough.
Making Changes for Heart Health
Making changes to our diet and lifestyle can have a big impact on our heart health, and cholesterol is a big part of that. It’s important to pay attention to our cholesterol levels and make changes to keep them within a healthy range. With a few simple changes, we can make a big difference in helping to reduce our risk of heart disease in the future.
