All you need to know about Cholesterol

Cholesterol/Triglycerides Cholesterol is a waxy substance (a sterol) that is produced naturally in the liver and is also consumed in varying amounts in the diet from foods of animal origin. High levels of cholesterol have been widely publicised as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (although it also performs several essential functions within the body). In order to travel through the bloodstream cholesterol must first attach itself to a protein and the resulting cholesterol-protein complex is known as a lipoprotein. Total serum cholesterol levels are comprised of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL cholesterol).. High levels of LDL cholesterol and oxidised LDL cholesterol has a tendency to adhere to the walls of blood vessels which can lead to cardiovascular disease. For this reason LDL cholesterol is regarded as badcholesterol. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol removes surplus cholesterol from the bloodstream and returns it to the liver for reprocessing or excretion. For this reason HDL cholesterol is regarded as good cholesterol. Although dietary cholesterol can increase total cholesterol levels, the human body maintains a self-regulating mechanism that compensates for additonal dietary cholesterol by lowering its own production of cholesterol. Conversely, when a low cholesterol diet is adopted, the body will increase its own production of cholesterol in the liver. When you have your blood cholesterol levels tested, the following levels should be aimed for:

* 35 mg per dl or higher for HDL cholesterol.

* 100 mg per dl or lower for LDL cholesterol.

* 160 - 200 mg per dl for total serum cholesterol.

The principal negative effect of elevated cholesterol levels (especially LDL cholesterol) are:

* Increased risk of atherosclerosis.

* Increased risk of abnormal blood clotting.

* Increased risk of gallstones.

* Increased risk of hair loss (male pattern baldness form).

* Increased risk of heart attack (this occurs as a consequence of elevated LDL cholesterol leading to atherosclerosis and increased blood clotting, factors which in turn increase the risk of heart attack.

Triglycerides Triglycerides are the main type of body fat other than cholesterol that exist in the blood (serum triglycerides) and fatty tissue (stored fat). 25% of the population of Western nations have elevated serum triglycerides levels. High serum triglycerides levels (i.e. above 100 mg per dl) are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease (especially atherosclerosis, heart attacks and high blood pressure). Other risks associated with high serum triglycerides are kidney failure and diabetes. High stored triglycerides levels usually correlate with high blood serum levels of triglycerides and are closely associateed with obesity.