How Cholesterol Affects You
We have heard many times from Dieticians and doctors that lowering cholesterol is extremely important. Cholesterol is a substance that is waxy and fatty like. This is produced by the liver. The interesting fact is that cholesterol has a purpose and is central to your overall body function and health. Every cell in the body has cholesterol forming in it; at appropriate levels it plays a life support role in many functions of the body.
When at the correct levels it actually repairs cells and is involved in the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Cholesterol also produces bile acids which aid in the digestion of fat. The problem arises when there is too much cholesterol in the body.
When there is too much cholesterol in the body it can lead to clogged arteries. The consequence of this is heart disease and stroke. How does this affect you? Bottom line cholesterol clogged arteries lead to heart attacks and stroke.
So what foods lead to high cholesterol? The common foods are dairy products such as eggs, and along with that is meat. The foods that do not contain cholesterol are fruits vegetables and grains. With this kind of a diet you can maintain good health resulting in low cholesterol. Cholesterol needs to be managed.
Like anything else, introduce balance in your diet. Learn about foods. Find out what you like and develop a menu from this. Do this in consultation with a dietician or physician. Visit your physician regularly. Remember you cannot turn the clock back. Live and learn to be healthy otherwise the consequences could be deadly.?
Paul Hegarty
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-cholesterol-affects-you-53367.html
March 18th, 2010 at 11:02 am
Can someone explain how cholesterol affects the cardiovascular system?
I know some basics but we’re studying it in class and I wanted some more info. Thanks =]
March 18th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
clogs the system which decreases blood flow to vital organs
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March 18th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
Cholesterol is a main component in cell walls- that’s why we have it. We have good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL). High cholesterol from an unhealthy lifestyle or hereditary problems can lead to atherosclerosis, which is hardening of the arteries and blood vessels. Normally, when the heart pumps blood through the arteries, they stretch out a little allowing itself to regulate blood pressure. When they are hardened, they cannot do this so many people will experience high blood pressure. Also, cholesterol problems can cause clots from forming plaques on the blood vessel walls. When a clot gets dislodged from where it was formed, it can travel through the bloodstream and cause a heart attack (blocked artery in the heart) or a stroke (blocked artery to the brain) or even other clotting issues such as pulmonary embolisms and deep vein thrombosis. The first issue usually noticed though is the increased resistance of blood vessels and cholesterol buildup in the arteries, which also raises blood pressure.
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March 18th, 2010 at 4:08 pm
because it clogs arridetorys
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March 18th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Ithink Jenna H swiped my answer! SHE just said it better.
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