| Cholesterol | |||||
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Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance which is found in all cells of the body. The body can manufacture all the cholesterol it requires for all the processes it is involved in.
- The body uses cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and help with digestion of food
- Is necessary in creating bile
- Forms every part of every cell
Cholesterol travels in the blood packaged with a protein (called a lipoprotein) - the type of lipoprotein that is packaged is indicative of heart health.
LDL cholesterol - low density lipoprotein
- Often referred to as "bad cholesterol"
- High levels of LDL in the bloodstream lead to a buildup of bad cholesterol in arteries and this can lead to heart disease
HDL cholesterol - high density lipoprotein
- Often referred to as "good cholesterol"
- HDL gathers up other cholesterol from the body back to the liver to be removed from the body
- High levels of HDL are an excellent indication for reducing the risk of heart disease
Last reviewed: 14 January 2007 || Last updated: 21 August 2007
Related Articles
references
- Osiecki, Henry, The Nutrient Bible 2002, BioConcepts Publishing
- Osiecki, Henry. The Physician's Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 6th edition, 2001, BioConcepts Publishing
- Rolfes SR, Pinna K, Whitney E. Understanding Normal and Clinical Nutrition. 7th Edition, 2005. Brooks Cole Publishing
- Tortora GJ, Derrickson BH. Principles of Anatomy & Physiology. 11th edition, 2005. Wiley Publishing
To learn more, go to the following web sites:
NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
