Although there is a lot of talk about cholesterol and the need to lower it in the news today, many people are surprised to learn that there are actually two kinds of cholesterol and one of them is actually good for your body. In order to understand how to better handle your cholesterol, it’s important to understand the difference between the kind of cholesterol your body needs and the kind that puts you at risk for serious health conditions.

Cholesterol is a natural substance that is found in everyone’s bloodstream and cells. The body uses it to produce cell membranes as well as hormones in addition to performing a number of other necessary bodily functions. The problem begins when the body begins to build up too much cholesterol. This can happen in one of two ways.

First, the body naturally produces its own cholesterol in order to aid with the important body functions just mentioned. The remainder of the cholesterol comes from the foods we ingest, mainly meats, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and milk. Vegetables and plant products do not produce cholesterol. Foods that contain trans-fats and saturated fats cause the body to produce even more cholesterol.

Because cholesterol resembles a fat like substance, it can’t dissolve and must be transported from to and from the cells where it is needed by lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein is what is most commonly referred to as bad cholesterol. When your body contains too much LDL cholesterol, a tremendous strain is placed on your heart, making you more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes. High density lipoprotein, on the other hand, is naturally manufactured by the body and works in the body’s defense.

Do you know the warning signs for high cholesterol?

Are you aware of your LDL and HDL levels … do you even know what they mean?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions and how to lower your cholesterol, you owe it to your family and yourself to find out.

Sadly, thousands of men and women ignore the warning signs until it’s too late!

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

About the Author

Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.

Author Emily Clark