Taking care of one's health is everybody's priority today because getting sick today is already very costly. Included in the quest for good health is the achievement of a correct cholesterol value. Cholesterol is an element made of lipid and steroid.
Cholesterol comprises the membranes of cells and are part of the hormone called estrogen and testosterone. A lot of the cholesterol that is present in the human body comes from the liver, and a few of it come from what the food intake. Three kinds of cholesterol are recognized by science. First is the low density lipoprotein which is also referred to as 'bad cholesterol' since excesses of which are deposited in the artery walls increasing the risk of heart disease.
On the other side of the coin is HDL or good cholesterol. It is good because it prevents thickening of artery walls by extracting cholesterol from that area and disposing of them through the liver. Third are the triglycerides which form the plasma lipids or blood fat. Having an ideal level of the following kinds are needed to be free from any diseases. It is then essential to visit the doctor occasionally and have the cholesterol level examined, for you to be aware if measures are necessary to lower your level.
You can perform a lot of things so that you can maintain an ideal cholesterol level. You should limit your total fat intake to 25-35% of your total daily intake of calories. Breaking down the 25-35%, only 7% should comprise saturated fat, less than 10% for polyunsaturated fat, and also less than 20% for monounsaturated fat. Food you take in should have cholesterol of not more than 200 milligrams. Three other methods to achieve ideal cholesterol values are having fiber-rich food intake, working out and having the appropriate weight.
Cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins can facilitate decrease in cholesterol levels. However, resorting to drugs is the option taken only when a change in lifestyle and diet is no longer enough to maintain normal cholesterol levels. One of the most important things is to understand the different types of cholesterol. You can easily find relevant information on the Internet if you look up. It is then very necessary to constantly have the cholesterol level monitored and maintained at a desired level by enough physical activity and food intake.
Cholesterol comprises the membranes of cells and are part of the hormone called estrogen and testosterone. A lot of the cholesterol that is present in the human body comes from the liver, and a few of it come from what the food intake. Three kinds of cholesterol are recognized by science. First is the low density lipoprotein which is also referred to as 'bad cholesterol' since excesses of which are deposited in the artery walls increasing the risk of heart disease.
On the other side of the coin is HDL or good cholesterol. It is good because it prevents thickening of artery walls by extracting cholesterol from that area and disposing of them through the liver. Third are the triglycerides which form the plasma lipids or blood fat. Having an ideal level of the following kinds are needed to be free from any diseases. It is then essential to visit the doctor occasionally and have the cholesterol level examined, for you to be aware if measures are necessary to lower your level.
You can perform a lot of things so that you can maintain an ideal cholesterol level. You should limit your total fat intake to 25-35% of your total daily intake of calories. Breaking down the 25-35%, only 7% should comprise saturated fat, less than 10% for polyunsaturated fat, and also less than 20% for monounsaturated fat. Food you take in should have cholesterol of not more than 200 milligrams. Three other methods to achieve ideal cholesterol values are having fiber-rich food intake, working out and having the appropriate weight.
Cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins can facilitate decrease in cholesterol levels. However, resorting to drugs is the option taken only when a change in lifestyle and diet is no longer enough to maintain normal cholesterol levels. One of the most important things is to understand the different types of cholesterol. You can easily find relevant information on the Internet if you look up. It is then very necessary to constantly have the cholesterol level monitored and maintained at a desired level by enough physical activity and food intake.
About the Author:
Normal cholesterol levels say a lot about how healthy an individual and this can be achieved by eating right and working out. For more information about cholesterol & its maintainance to have healthy life please follow this link.
