Title: Cholesterol - Good, Bad...Huh? Word Count: 1227 Summary: There is good cholesterol, and there's bad.

What's the difference? Why are the y important? We'll cover some of that, and share some tips and ideas for contro lling one's cholesterol levels. Keywords: cholesterol Article Body: What IS Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that's stored in the fat (lipid) content o f one's blood stream. It's actually important to have a certain amount of "good " cholesterol in one's system. Cholesterol, and our other body fats, cannot dissolve in our blood. They must b e transported by special carriers called lipoproteins. While there are numerous kinds (too many to cover here), the two that are most important are the high-de nsity lipoproteins (HDL) and the low-density lipoproteins (LDL). There is a thi rd kind, which is referred to as Lp(a), which can increase one's risk of heart a ttack and stroke. We'll cover that one here, as well. HDL, LDL, & Lp(a)...What ARE These? High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are known as "good cholesterol". Most experts a gree that HDL moves the cholesterol from the arteries to the liver, where it is broken down and leaves the body through the natural evacuation process. A highe r HDL level seems to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. Keep in mind, t hough, that a lower HDL level in one's body (-40 mg/dL in men, -50 mg d/L in wom en) is a warning signal of greater risk of one or both. HDL seems to remove excess cholesterol from the plaques which build up in one's blood vessels, thereby inhibiting or slowing their growth. This is what makes i t so important to the human body. Approximately 1/3 to 1/4 of the cholesterol i n our bodies is carried by the HDL. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the major transporters of cholesterol in our blood. One can experience a build up on the walls of the arteries which supply blood to our hearts and brains, if too much LDL enters the blood stream. When c ombined with other substances, it forms plaques. Plaques are hard, thick coatin gs that can clog one's arteries and decrease blood flow to the heart or the brai n. Should the blood not move swiftly enough, there is danger of a blood clot fo rming near the plaques. When this occurs in the arteries leading to the heart, one is at greater risk of a heart attack. If it happens in the arteries which l ead to one's brain, there is a higher risk of stroke. If one's LDL level is 160 mg/dL or higher, this is an indication of a greater ri sk of heart disease. And if one has already been diagnosed with heart disease, it is strongly recommended that one maintain a level of less than 100 mg/dL. A little known (by the general population) lipoprotein that can also cause a gre ater risk is the Lp(a) cholesterol lipoprotein. This is a generic variation of

plasma (the "fluid" which carries the blood cells through one's blood stream) LD L. When one's Lp(a) level is higher, one can more quickly develop the plaque bu ild up which physicians and specialists refer to as "arthersclerosis". Although there has been no conclusive evidence drawn as to WHY Lp(a) contributes to the increased risk of heart disease, it is commonly believed that the natural lesion s which occur in our artery walls may contain substances that interact with it. This may lead to the build up of the fatty deposits. From Where Do We Get Cholesterol? The general consensus is that the human body is capable of producing the cholest erol that one needs to remain healthy. The body - most especially the liver - p roduces roughly 1,000 mg per day. Therefore the cholesterol consumed (by the av erage person eating the typical foods such as whole milk dairy products, eggs, m eat, poultry, fish and seafood) is not really necessary to maintain the healthy level which one needs. Two of the biggest culprits which contribute to the excessive consumption of cho lesterol are transfats and saturated fats. But other fats consumed in foods can also raise blood cholesterol. While some of the excess fat is removed from the body by the liver, most heart specialists recommend that the average person lim it himself/herself to less than 300 mg daily. And if one has been diagnosed wit h heart disease, that level should be less than 200 mg daily. If one has been d iagnosed with extremely high cholesterol, even more drastic measures may be nece ssary to bring it under control. How Do I Control My Intake? A proven and accepted measure of control is to limit one's intake to no more tha t 6 ounces of lean meat/fish/poultry daily, and to consume only low fat/no fat d airy products. Effective substitutes for the protein necessary for good health can be found in beans and vegetables with high protein content. Two excellent s ources for determining which foods have high protein content can be found at: http://www.vegsoc.org/info/protein.htm and http://www.vegparadise.com/protein.html#Charts It is also recommended that one adopt a regular exercise regimen. Even a modera te amount of daily activity can help to increase the movement of blood through o ne's body. Physical activities such as leisurely walking, gardening, light yard work, housework and slow dancing are often prescribed as ideally suited for tho se who need a daily routine to help control the cholesterol levels. A more intense regimen can include brisk walking, jogging, swimming and weight-l ifting. Aerobic exercising is an excellent way to increase one's breathing and heart rates. Side benefits of a regularly scheduled exercise program can include weight contr ol, reducing one's risk of developing diabetes, and helping to keep one's blood pressure at a healthy level. Regular moderate to intense exercise can also help to strengthen one's heart and lungs. To Smoke or Not to Smoke... Most physicians and specialists recommend that no one smoke. And it has been pr oven that tobacco smoking increases the risk of heart disease. One's intake of oxygen, which is a necessary component for good vascular circulation and health, is drastically reduced. Plus, smoking is detrimental to HDL cholesterol levels and increases the possibility of blood clots, not to mention the risks of causi

ng cancer in one's body. The Effects of Alcohol on Cholesterol Levels The moderate consumption of alcohol has shown, in some studies, to actually prom ote higher HDL cholesterol levels. With that said one must weigh the risks of a lcoholism, obesity, stroke, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, and somet imes depression. Exercise moderation (not more than 1-2 drinks daily for men, n ot more than 1 drink daily for women). And if you don't drink, don't start. Th ere are better and safer alternatives for controlling one's cholesterol. Synopsis: d HDL is "good" cholesterol LDL is "bad" cholesterol An exercise regimen can help in lowering LDL and increasing HDL Cholesterol can be controlled with a sensible diet, for many people Smoking can increase the risks of lower HDL levels and the possibility of bloo clots

Consult your physician or health care provider before embarking on any exercise regimen, or the consumption of alcohol, as a method to control one's cholesterol . He or she can direct you to what steps you need to take in order to ensure th e best results for your efforts. Have an annual screening (usually a blood drawing) to determine your cholesterol levels. Be sure to discuss family history and other issues which your doctor m ay want to know before deciding whether or not you should be checked for the Lp( a) lipoproteins. He or she can better determine your risks, the diagnosis, and possible treatment (which may include prescription medication) when fully inform ed.