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CHOLESTEROL - STAYING HEALTHY
by Deborah Jenton
http://www.dghealth.com
Cholesterol is a fat-like waxy substance produced by the
liver. Although most people know about cholesterol
associated with health risks, there is also an important
function of cholesterol, needed by the body. In fact, each
cell of the body is formed to a certain degree from
cholesterol. However, when a person's level of bad
cholesterol is too high, health risks exist. On the other
hand, cholesterol maintained at the right level aids by
building and repairing cells, producing estrogen and
testosterone, and making bile acids that help with the
digestion of fat.
All of our cells within our bodies are formed from
cholesterol and helps to rebuild our cells also.
Estrogen and testosterone are produced by cholesterol as
well as produces the bile acids the liver needs to digest
and get rid of fat. Too much cholesterol in our bodies is
not good though and will cause build up within the body
which raises our risk of heart disease.
There are three forms of cholesterol or "lipoproteins,"
they are...
LDL or low-density lipoproteins. These are bad cholesterol
and too much can lead to build up and blockage of the
arteries. HDL or high-density lipoproteins. This is good
cholesterol and helps transport other cholesterol from
other parts of the body to the liver. This helps remove
fats from the body and prevents the blockage of arteries.
Another kind of lipoproteins which is also low-density
transports triglycerides in the blood. High levels of
triglycerides can also cause the risk of heart disease.
In the U. S. today, high cholesterol effects more than 50%
of adults, this also means this risk of heart attacks
effects thousands of people everyday. This risk can be
lowered by eating healthier foods, better fats, and of
course, getting a fair amount of exercise.
Carrying extra weight on our bodies is not good and we know
that. However, many of us find exercise to be either too
hard, or we think we don't have the time to do it. Exercise
does not have to be hard, and wecan find the time in our
day to get some. Walking is the simplest for of exercise
today and we all know how to do that. We need to walk only
30 minuets a day can help us lower our blood pressure and
our cholesterol levels.
One doe's not have to dive right in and do all things all
at once. It usually takes time and persistence to get
into better habits, and exercise and eating right is no
exception. With time, one can train their way of thinking
to start eating healthier and eating things that will lower
bad cholesterol and help open up clogged arteries. If
your really overweight, you should speak with your
doctor and let her or him help fit you with a program that
is right for you personally. Your doctor may also put you
on a cholesterol lowering prescription to help get your
cholesterol down.
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