Cholesterol is an important molecule that is essential to human metabolism, cell structures, and production of certain hormones and vitamins within the body.
Synthesis of cholesterol occurs in several organs. A large portion of cholesterol is produced within the liver. Other sites for production include: intestines, adrenal gland, and some reproductive organs.
Dietary cholesterol is equally as important and a large cause of health effects associated with elevated cholesterol. Animal fats are typical places to find cholesterol. Plants and vegetables do not contain cholesterol unless it has been added through cooking process or other means.
Sources of Cholesterol include:
– Cheese
– Beef
– Chicken
– Eggs
– Pork
– Shrimp
Another few players in cholesterol are Trans Fat and Saturated Fat
Saturated Fats can be seen in chocolate, some oils, animal fats, and some dairy products.
Trans Fats can be seen in baked goods, fast food, snack foods, fried foods, margarine, and hydrogenated vegetable oil. Trans fats are produced by partially hydrogenating unsaturated fats. These are not found largely in nature. It has been recommended to limit or eliminate trans fats to improve your health.
The health concerns of elevated cholesterol are intense and severe:
Hypercholesterolemia
Is when a high amount of circulating cholesterol can be found in the blood
It is not specifically a disease but may result from other issues such as diet, family genes, diabetes or thyroid problems.
Cholesterol can always be found in the blood – but when levels becomes quite elevated then the concern arises.
Elevated cholesterol can lead to serious medical concerns such as: Atherosclerosis, Coronary Artery Disease, Worsening High Blood Pressure , Stroke, Peripheral Vascular Disease, Angina, and others
Atherosclerosis is a response or result of damage to arterial blood vessels.
Is the result of hardening in the arteries and is typically caused by a build up of fatty molecules such as cholesterol.
It is a more specific term then the general term of arteriosclerosis.
Plaque fills the inner pipes of arteries that supply oxygen to the heart.
Smoking is the #1 preventable risk factor but so is elevated cholesterol
Coronary arteries supply the muscle of the heart with oxygen.
Plaque can fill or line the arteries of the heart
Rupture or tearing of the arteries can occur causing serious consequences.
Prevention and Exercise
Prevention is necessary for several reasons. Diabetes and Hypertension are serious diseases that can be made much worse with elevated cholesterol. Diet and exercise are central to a good health in both improving cholesterol and additional symptoms associated with this disease.
As in many other areas, preventing cholesterol build up before it changes your life can be difficult but critical. HDL can be considered “the good cholesterol” and acts as a buffer to prevent a build up of unwanted cholesterol. HDL is a lipoprotein that can be improved through exercise. Other ways to improve HDL is stopping smoking, improving diet, weight loss, fish oil, flax seed and others.
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