Cholesterol Myths and Facts

Are cholesterols bad for the body? The body actually needs Cholesterol, but there are bad cholesterols which is called the low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Cholesterol plays an important role to build cell membranes, hormones and supplying vitamin D. The hearts creates and connects it to the a protein carrier called lipoprotein, which will flow with the blood and transported to all parts of the body.

So to prevent further misconception about cholesterol, here are the myths and facts about cholesterol,

Cholesterol is evil:

Myth. In fact, cholesterol is essential for the the body. Dr. John Gullota, chairman of the AMA Therapeutics Committee, as quoted Good Health & Medicine, said that about 75 percent of the cholesterol were produced by the body and 25 percent were obtained from food.

Most of the cholesterol is made by the liver and is important for a lot of processes, including the production of sex hormones and vitamin D, and for the brain and nerve function.

Men need 1,100 milligram cholesterol per day to maintain their physiological functions. From that amount, approximately 25-40 percent or 200-300 mg normally comes from food.

High cholesterol level risks more disease:

Myth. The body needs cholesterol to produce hormones and cell membranes. There are two kinds of cholesterol, that is the good one : High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and the bad cholesterol called LDL.

It is the LDL that forms plaque in the arteries and lead to heart disease. On the other hand, good cholesterol helps to remove the bad cholesterol from the blood. The higher the HDL, the better. The lower LDL is also better.

Low-fat and a healthy diet combined with sports exercises will naturally help you to manage your cholesterol. Supplements will also supports your health program.

There are obvious symptoms of high risk cholesterol:

Myth. In fact, one of five US citizen have high cholesterol. Unfortunately, many of them are unaware of their condition since it is usually come without any symptoms.

A lot of people learned about their high level of cholesterol after a heart attack or a stroke.
Ever wonder whether you have a high cholesterol risk? Make a routine cholesterol checks every five years, starting from your 20s.

Medicine is the only way to manage the risk of high cholesterol:

Myth. The best way to reduce the risk of high cholesterol is through diet, sports exercise, and medication. However, according to Gullotta, "It is better to lower cholesterol naturally." For example, maintain your body weight, do physical activity at least 30 minutes a day, and consume of healthy foods. Sports can also lowering the LDL and increase the HDL.

Another tip, consume cholesterol less than 200 mg per day, at least 25-35 grams of fiber, and increase the amount of Omega-3 by eating fish or fish oil supplements.

High cholesterol increase the likelihood of type-2 diabetes melitus:
Fact. High cholesterol can play a part in the development of type-2 diabetes. Good cholesterol below 35 mg / dL is one of the diabetes risk factors. Another risk factor is excessive weight, a history of diabetes in the family, and high blood pressure.

Learn your risk of diabetes. Checks the level of blood sugar when you have excess body weight. If the total cholesterol is normal, you do not have to worry about heart attacks or strokes:
Myth. In fact, even though your have a normal cholesterol amount, less than 200 mg / dL, a high LDL cholesterol or low HDL, would increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Cigarettes and alcohol can affect your cholesterol:

Fact. Alcohol and cigarettes can affect the cholesterol level. Some research indicate the moderate amount of alcohol(about one glass per day for women or two glasses for men) can increase good cholesterol. On the other hand, smoking has been proven to lower good cholesterol.

If you rarely consume alcohol, you don't need to start drinking more alcohol to get a positive effect on cholesterol. Because healthful diet itself can increase the amount of good cholesterol. However, if you smoke, try to stop.

Cholesterol checks be done for the first time at the age of 45:

Myth. Each person should do cholesterol checks every five years starting at the age of 20. Checking cholesterol from your youth will put you in a healthier life in the future.

Eliminating meat, cheese, and fat from the diet will make everything OK:

Myth. In fact, removing one or two groups of food is not a healthy way to manage cholesterol. There is no need to avoid all fat, meat, and dairy products from your diet.

The key to managing the rate of cholesterol is to control the portion of food.

Cholesterol = fat:

Myth. In fact, from the chemical structure, cholesterol is classifed as steroid, a substance of fat. However, cholesterol and fat are two different substance.

Antioxidants only give protection against cancer:

Myth. In fact, antioxidants also protect against bad cholesterol, such as heart disease. Antioxidants provide protection against free radical damage. Antioxidant can be found in fruits and vegetables. Green tea and dark chocolat are good sources of antioxidants. The presence of antioxidants will reduce the risk of heart disease.