Many of us know that cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Why then does our bodies also make cholesterol? Read more...
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is important for a variety of functions in our body. For example, it is involved in maintaining cell membranes, synthesising bile acids for digestion and regulating vitamin D levels. Generally, the body makes about half of the cholesterol while the remainder comes from diet. However, some individuals can be affected by family history, causing higher than normal cholesterol levels being produced.
What are sources of cholesterol and are they important?
Initially food sources containing cholesterol such as eggs were thought to be best avoided. Other foods such as crustaceans (e.g. prawns) and offal were also the case. Rest assured, it can be enjoyed in moderation. Similar to diabetes and high blood pressure, we need to look at the overall diet.
How is cholesterol measured?
Cholesterol is measured from a fasting blood test to determine an individual blood profile. The profile compares your levels with the recommendations.
As per the National Heart Foundation Guidelines, ideal cholesterol levels are:
As per the National Heart Foundation Guidelines, ideal cholesterol levels are:
- Total cholesterol: Less than 4 mmol/L
- LDL cholesterol: Less than 2.0 mmol/L
- HDL cholesterol: Greater than 1 mmol/L
- TC/HDL ratio: Less than 4.0
- Triglycerides: Less than 1.7 mmol/L
Is there good and bad cholesterol?
The terms are commonly used. However, they are actually carriers of cholesterol in the bloodstream that gets measured as part of your lipid profile. The best way to remember the two is ‘H’ for ‘high’ and ‘happy’ in your HDL. The HDL is known as the ‘good’ cholesterol, and you want your levels to be high to have enough moppers to keep your arteries clean. ‘L’ is for ‘low’ and is the LDL that you ‘loathe’. You want the LDL known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol to be low to avoid clogging your arteries. There is the ‘good’, the ‘bad’, and there is also the ‘ugly’. These are ‘triglycerides’ which are a combination of fats and sugars and can also increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
How do I reduce my cholesterol levels?
Reducing cholesterol levels requires looking at your overall lifestyle. This includes diet, physical activity, being a healthy weight, as well as not smoking and managing your stress levels.
Diagnosed with high cholesterol? Need your nutrition and lifestyle reviewed? Contact me.
