We all hear plenty about cholesterol today, but many of us are still confused about what it is and what we can do about it. To complicate matters further, there is both "good"– which we want to encourage – and "bad"– which we must eliminate. Because a healthy cholesterol level is a significant factor in a healthier lifestyle overall, it is worth a small time investment to learn more about this substance and what we can do to control it.

What is It?
Cholesterol is a substance that is produced in the liver and is used for a variety of useful functions. These functions include protecting cell membranes, assisting nerve cells in transmitting messages and enabling your gall bladder to produce bile acid. It also serves as a building block for vitamin D and certain hormones like estrogen and testosterone. So if cholesterol is so important to our bodies, why do we worry when we have too much? The problem begins when too much gets into the bloodstream and begins to clog up the flow through the arteries. When this happens, the risk of stroke and heart attack becomes elevated and the amount needs to be brought back down to eliminate the risk.

Two Types
There are two different types of cholesterol found in the body. The first, high-density lipoproteins or HDL, is considered "good" cholesterol because it is too dense to enter the bloodstream and is carried out of the body via the liver instead. This is the one that you can afford to have more of, and there are ways to raise a low HDL level. Exercise is one of the best methods; since it will raise the HDL number and help you maintain a healthy weight at the same time. Kicking the smoking habit can also raise the HDL level.

The second type of cholesterol is known as low-density lipoprotein or LDL. This is the cholesterol that can stick to artery walls, clogging up the blood flow and increasing the risk for heart attack and stroke. LDL is the cholesterol you want less of, and you can lower this number with a diet high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat and low in saturated and trans fat. In cases where the number is very high, your doctor may recommend medication until the level gets back down to the normal range.

Knowing your cholesterol level can make a significant difference in your ability to manage your health. The different numbers and types may be somewhat confusing, but it doesn't take long to learn the basics of cholesterol so that you can take control of your health and your quality of life. Online Car Auctions

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