Cholesterol is a white, waxy material similar to fat that is produced by the liver. You can also find it in food that comes from animals.Cholesterol is necessary in order for the body to function correctly. Your cells need cholesterol to make vitamin D, hormones and the bile used to digest fat. However, the body only needs a small amount.
Archive for the ‘Cholesterol’ Category
High Cholesterol and Smog Lead to Heart Disease
For decades people have been pushing more environmental and “Green” strategies to protect ourselves and everything else on the planet. In 2006 it was found that almost 25 percent of the diseases where actually caused by exposure to unhealthy environmental factors. The same study also found that a little over 40 percent of the diseases were caused by air pollution.
High Cholesterol and Men: What are the Health Risks?
Knowing the facts about cholesterol can greatly reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke. As one of the number one killers in the United States, simple preventative measure can be taken to ensure your health and well-being!
High Cholesterol and Diesel Exhaust Combine In Heart Disease
New research conducted by scientists at University of California, Los Angeles has shown that diesel exhaust can lead to exacerbate atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Small particles in air pollution combine with cholesterol to activate genes that contribute to blood vessel inflammation, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.
What are Plant Sterols and Stanols?
Phylosterols
Both plant sterols and plant stanols are considered to be phylosterols. Phylosterols are an essential component of all plant membranes. Interestingly, plant sterols and stanols have a similar resemblance to the chemical structure of cholesterol. Also, plant sterols and stanols are responsible for the same primary cellular functions in plants that cholesterol is responsible for [...]
Weight Management and Cholesterol
The Definition of Overweight
The majority of individuals that are overweight or obese know it. However, experts typically evaluate body weight based on a complex formula. This complex formula is known as the body mass index (BMI). The BMI is actually calculated using a particular individual’s height and weight. This calculation is used as a standard, [...]
Natural Treatments to Lower Your Cholesterol Levels
There are several ways you can naturally lower your cholesterol levels. Remember, for optimum health you will want a balance of high HDLs and low LDLs; exercise is generally the best way to increase HDLs and eating right can reduce harmful LDLs.
The Role of the Liver in Cholesterol Production
What is Cholesterol?
In order to understand the role of the liver in cholesterol production, it is important to first note what cholesterol actually is and how it originates. Cholesterol is a sterol, a lipid, a fatty substance that is a major component of the outer membrane of all cells. It has a complex chemical structure.
Cholesterol [...]
High Cholesterol and Women; What Are the Health Risks?
Cholesterol is found in every cell and is needed for day to day functioning. Cholesterol occurs naturally in your body. It is a fat know as lipid. There are 2 types of cholesterol; LDL and HDL.
Cholesterol Lowering Statins May Be Harmful
Having high cholesterol can be a life threatening condition. If you are diagnosed with high cholesterol, it is often necessary to make many lifestyle changes in order to get control of your cholesterol levels.
