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The Low Down on Cholesterol
When it comes to a weight loss plan, there are so many diets to choose from. You can go from Atkins (A) to Zone Diet (Z). Which one of these many diets is good for your heart? Should you really be worried about cholesterol on a low carbohydrate or low fat diet? Lets start with, what is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a substance that is found in all of the cells in your body. It is a necessary building block in cell membranes and used in the components of stress and sex hormones. This important substance also assists in digestion as it is a component in making digestive bile. Where does cholesterol come from? In addition to the cholesterol we consume in our SAD (Standard American Diet), our bodies manufacturer cholesterol.
The Misconception. There is a misconception about the types of people with high cholesterol. The assumption is overweight people are more likely to have high cholesterol from eating too many fatty foods; however, thin people should also keep a check on their cholesterol. Often people who don't gain weight easily are less aware of how much saturated fat they eat. Nobody can "eat anything they want" and stay heart healthy. Regardless of your size, weight or exercise habits, have your cholesterol checked regularly. Food Nutrition labels do help you to make healthier choices, but you need to know exactly what to look for. Many "low-cholesterol" foods contain high levels of saturated fat or trans-fatty acids - both of which contribute to high blood cholesterol . Even foods that claim to be "low-fat" may have a higher fat content than expected. Be aware of the amount of saturated fat, total fat, cholesterol and total calories per serving of the product (as discussed in Tidbits and Stuff article Trans Fats 101). Also be aware of the product's serving size. Often it's smaller than you think (read article Zero Trans Fats?). The FDA requires manufacturers to list ingredients by predominance, so choose products where fats and oils appear later in the ingredient listing.
The Good, the bad, what's the difference? There are two types of cholesterol, LDL and HDL. What's the difference between the two? When too much LDL "bad" cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. This condition is known as arteriosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, it can cause a heart attack or stroke. HDL cholesterol is known as the "good" cholesterol because a high level of it seems to protect against heart attack. Medical experts believe that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from plaque in arteries, thus slowing the buildup. Thus the levels of HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the blood are measured to evaluate the risk of having a heart attack. Triglycerides - Cholesterol - Hand in hand? Triglycerides is a fat that, like cholesterol, your body manufactures and you also get from your food. It is a form of fat the body can make from sugar, alcohol, or excess calories. Most people who discover they have high triglyceride levels also have high LDL cholesterol levels, and low HDL levels. Heart disease is also related to high triglyceride levels, and people with diabetes. So, when checking your cholesterol, might as well check our triglycerides too. Does gender make a difference? Premenopausal women are usually protected from high LDL levels of cholesterol, because the female hormone estrogen tends to raise HDL cholesterol levels. Postmenopausal women may find that even a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise aren't enough to keep their cholesterol from rising. If you're approaching menopause, it's especially important to have your cholesterol checked and talk with your doctor about your options. Postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT, formerly called hormone replacement therapy or HRT) is not recommended to prevent heart disease and may not be the best answer for every woman. For the latest information on postmenopausal hormone therapy read the Facts About Menopausal Hormone Therapy published by The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Hational Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) latest information on postmenopausal hormone therapy. According to the American Heart Association, beginning at age 45, women tend to have a higher blood cholesterol than men. The difference in the genders are most pronounced in African-Americans. How do I protect myself?
For more information on dietary changes visit The American Heart Association Now that you're aware of the facts, go get your cholesterol checked.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jennifer Hobbs, from Pollock LA, wrote this article in dedication to her mother Patricia This document last modified Sunday, 02-Mar-2008 10:42:54 EST | ||
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Tidbits & Stuff was born on Thursday, March 9, 2006
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