Cholesterol is a liquid manufactured from the fatty foods that we eat, carried in the blood by special molecules called lipoproteins. It plays a central role in many biochemical processes.

 

There are different kinds of lipoproteins carrying cholesterol – LDL and HDL. Whereas high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are considered “good” cholesterol, since they carry the cholesterol away from the cells, the low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are considered “bad cholesterol”. LDL brings the cholesterol from the liver to the cells and can cause build-up of cholesterol, which may cause heart attack.

 

It is recommended to keep the cholesterol under control and eat lo

w-cholesterol food. High level of cholesterol is present in dietary food and in food, which contains saturated fat, such as coconut oil, coconut butter, cookies and crackers, butter, cheese, ice cream and cream. In some studies, moderate use of alcohol is linked with higher HDL cholesterol levels; however, increased consumption of alcohol brings other health dangers, therefore it is not recommended.

 

Cholesterol is also found in eggs, meat, poultry, and fish. In order to reduce the level of cholesterol, it is important to limit the amount of animal food, and decrease dietary cholesterol. Instead it is recommended to eat foods with unsaturated fat, present in plants, vegetables, avocado, nuts and vegetable oil.

 

In order to reduce high cholesterol, it is recommended to maintain a healthy weight, which would include regular physical exercise. It is also recommended to schedule a screening, in order to know, whether everything in your body is in order. When starting cholesterol treatment, it is important to follow the recommendations of healthcare professionals.