Have you ever wondered about cholesterol? This blog gives you a brief introduction!
What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood and all your cells.
Sources of Cholesterol
Your Body
Your liver makes 80% of all the cholesterol your body needs
The Foods You Eat
Provide 20% of cholesterol you need
- Animal products, such as chicken, meat, eggs, cheese, and full-fat dairy products
- Some oils, such as palm and coconut oil
Since your body already makes most of the cholesterol to keep you healthy, you only need about 20% from food sources.
Therefore, adding too much cholesterol from dietary sources can lead to unhealthy levels in the body. This may lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries, which can lead to clots that can eventually lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Heart attack Clot blocks blood flow to the HEART
Stroke Clot blocks blood flow to the BRAIN
What are LDL and HDL? How are they related to Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is carried through the blood on lipid (fat) proteins called lipoproteins:
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
- Sometimes called “Bad” or “Lousy” Cholesterol
- Combines with other substances in the blood and causes a buildup of plaque inside the arteries
- Increases your risk of heart attack and stroke
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
- Sometimes called “Good” or “Happy” Cholesterol
- Absorbs cholesterol from different parts of the body and returns it to the liver to be removed
- Decreases your risk of heart attack and stroke
Related: Cholesterol Screening
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