What is Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance which can be ingested from foods of animal origin or manufactured in the body. When these animal fats reach the bloodstream, they are broken down into fats called lipids. It can be tested by taking a blood sample, preferably in the morning with your last meal prior to 9:00 pm the night before.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS: There are usually none unless it has gotten out of hand & affected the heart

EFFECTS OF CHOLESTEROL:
It is helpful in the fact that it aids in hormone production and cellular wall development. When it accumulates beyond what the body needs, however, it can cause negative long-term health problems, such as thickening build-up on the walls of blood vessels, which can result in a life threatening illness such as coronary artery disease, strokes, and heart attacks. It is measured by high density lipoproteins (HDL), which are protective, and low density lipoproteins (LDL), which increase the risk of atherosclerosis.

WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE YOUR CHOLESTEROL?
Diet: Decrease saturated fats & increase food fiber
Weight: Stay in your ideal weight range
Physical activity/Exercise: Exercise regularly - at least 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 3-4 times per week
Genetic factors: May run in family
Sex/Age: Men are 3 times more likely to have high cholesterol than women, however, age group over 60 is also at a higher risk.
Stress: Stress may raise your levels or cause you to eat improperly

FOODS YOU CAN EAT FREELY:

• Fruits: Apple, banana, berries, coconut, dried fig, orange, pear, or raisins.
• Vegetables and Legumes: Asparagus, beets, broccoli, cooked dried beans, cooked dried lentils, cooked dried peas, greens, green lima beans, peanuts, sweet potatoes, or winter squash.
• Grains, Nuts and Seed: Bran, bulgur, millet, oatmeal and rolled-oat products, sunflower seed, whole-wheat flour products (breads, muffins, pancakes, rolls or cakes.

DIET & EXERCISE IS PREFERRED BUT IF UNSUCCESSFUL, YOU MAY NEED TO BE SUPPLEMENTED BY MEDICATIONS: But be aware, there are always possible risks and side effects of any medication and you must comply with the THERAPY AS OUTLINED BY YOUR DOCTOR.