Cholesterol, a beginner's guide.

Introduction



The purpose of this article is to give you an initial

introduction to the meaning of cholesterol, what causes it

and why does your body have it. Once you have this initial

grounding and understanding, you can then move on to reading

more complex articles such as those that can be found at

http://www.cholesterolarterydisease.com



What is cholesterol?



Cholesterol is a fat like substance that comes from certain

foods, it is also produced by our own bodies.



There are two types of cholesterol, commonly referred to as

'bad cholesterol' and 'good cholesterol'



'Bad cholesterol' delivers cholesterol to our bodies.



'Good cholesterol' takes cholesterol out of the

bloodstream.



Do we need cholesterol in our bodies?



Cholesterol is a vital part of our bodies. It is needed for

our brain to function and is a main component of our cells.



What are the risks of cholesterol?



It has been shown that to have high levels of blood

cholesterol can lead to heart disease. This is due to

cholesterol being deposited in the arteries.



Where does it come from?



Cholesterol is found naturally in the following foods.

Eggs

Milk

Butter

Cheese

Fish

Meat

Poultry



Certain foods contain a high cholesterol content such as:

Liver

Dairy fats

Egg yolks





How is cholesterol measured?



Your cholesterol level can be a guide to the condition of

your health, in particular your life expectancy. The USA and

UK have different ways of measuring cholesterol, so make

sure you don't mix them up if do a comparison.



If you are concerned about your cholesterol level you should

visit your doctor to have it measured. This is done by

taking a sample of your blood. Your doctor can then present

you with a plan to help get your cholesterol level back to

normal.



What if you have a high cholesterol count?



Generally, if you have a high cholesterol level, you will be

told to go on to a diet of low cholesterol foods such as:

Whole grains

Beans

Fruit



Your doctor may also give you the option of medication to

assist in reducing your cholesterol level.



It is not possible for you to know if you have a high

cholesterol level without having it measured. So as a

precaution you should at least take steps to establish your

current cholesterol level.



Disclaimer: The content of this article is for informational

purposes only. The content is not intended to be a

substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or

treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, doctor

or other qualified health provider with any questions you

may have regarding a medical condition. Do not alter your

diet or start taking medication without consulting with your

doctor or health provider.



Colin Beach is a freelance writer for

http://www.cholesterolarterydisease.com



If you need more detailed information on cholesterol please visit

the following web site:

High cholesterol