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Community Corner

Cholesterol: Good and Bad for You

It's not too early to start thinking about your cholesterol.

I was reading on my morning cereal box that the contents could help lower cholesterol levels. As I continued eating my cereal, contemplating the claim on the box, I realized I haven’t given much thought to my cholesterol levels.

But maybe I should.

When you see the word cholesterol, it’s natural to think that it has a negative impact on your health. However, cholesterol is a necessary part of having a healthy body. Cholesterol, which can be found in blood and cells, is a waxy substance needed for synthesis of cell membranes, vitamin D and hormones.

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There are two different types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein or LDL, and high-density lipoprotein, HDL. LDL is considered the “bad” cholesterol and HDL is considered the “good” cholesterol. About 75 percent of our blood cholesterol is produced in the liver and other cells in the body. The other 25 percent comes from the type of food that we eat. In addition, cholesterol is only found in animal products.

The American Heart Association explains that people who have a high level of LDL run the risk of developing heart disease and having a heart attack, and increase their chance of a stroke. An excess accumulation of LDL can make the arteries hard and narrow, which can lead to partial or full blockage of the artery. The reduction in blood flow is what can cause heart dieses, heart attacks and strokes.

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It’s a good thing there is a check-and-balance system for cholesterol. The role of HDL is to transport cholesterol out of the arteries, thereby helping to fight against heart disease.

You can increase the amount of HDLs in the body by regularly exercising. It’s also a good idea to limit the amount of trans fats in your diet. Plus, research has shown that eating fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and soy based products helps to reduce high cholesterol.

It’s important to talk with your doctor about your cholesterol levels because every individual is different and treatment options can vary. Some people are able to treat their high cholesterol with diet and exercise, while others may need diet, exercise and prescription medication.

Whatever you treatment plan is, be sure to take your cholesterol levels seriously. You don’t want to become another statistic for developing heart disease.

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