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Good Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a lipid (natural fat) that is carried in the blood. It is a soft
waxy substance. Most cholesterol is made by the liver from the foods we eat, but
a small
amount is absorbed directly from cholesterol-rich foods such as eggs, dairy
products and shellfish. Cholesterol is important for the formation of cell
membranes and hormones. It plays a part in the production of steroid hormones
such as Estrogen, Testosterone and Cortisone, the transportation of fats around
the body, the creation of Vitamin D and to build cell membranes.
Our body needs cholesterol and it is synthesized in the liver. The problem is
not the cholesterol itself but in the excessive cholesterol particularly the bad
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol which contributes to plaque build up
in the arteries. The food we eat particularly the saturated fat can elevate LDL.
An excess of LDL cholesterol can accumulate in the arteries that feed the heart
and brain and this can lead to a heart attack. The good HDL (High Density
Lipoprotein) cholesterol contributes by taking away excess cholesterol.
Cholesterol forms every cell within the body. When the cholesterol level is
appropriate, it plays a life-giving role in many functions of the body. When
cholesterol is at a good level it works to build and repair cells, produces
hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and produces bile acids which are
proven to aid in the digestion of fat. While minimum levels of cholesterol is
essential for life, excess levels are associated with atherosclerosis. Most
cholesterol is synthesized by the body but significant quantities can also be
absorbed from the diet. The liver can adjust synthesis depending on the amount
available from the diet.
What is an ideal cholesterol reading?
This is the most desirable level of cholesterol to have is under 200mg/DL. If
you have cholesterol lower than 200 milligrams per deciliter of blood, then you
are considered to have the optimum and normal levels of cholesterol. People
having cholesterol level between 200 and 239mg/DL of total body cholesterol fall
into the category of borderline high risk for getting heart diseases or stroke.
If your total body cholesterol is 240mg/DL or more, then you are at very high
risk for contracting heart ailments.
The level of HDL and LDL cholesterols are different. The normal levels of HDL
cholesterol are 50-60 mg/DL for women and 40-50mg/DL for men. HDL is the good
cholesterol, and levels lower than 40mg/DL can increase your risk of heart
diseases. The following chart shows the level LDL cholesterol and its effect.
Ideal Cholesterol Chart
LEVELS OF LDL CHOLESTEROL
DIAGNOSIS
Below 100mg/DL
Optimum levels
Between 100 and 129mg/DL
Normal levels
Between 130 and 159mg/DL
Borderline Risk
Between 160 and 189mg/DL
High Risk
More Than 190mg/DL
Very High Risk
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