Cholesterol is steroid, essential for life. It is structural component of plasma membrane and in the insulating layer of myelin wound around neurons, precursor of the synthesis of steroid hormone and vitamin D.
Cholesterol is transported through the blood stream by lipoproteins. There are two different types of lipoproteins: LDL or low-density lipoproteins and HDL or high-density lipoprotein.
Blood cholesterol level has a lot to do with the chances of getting heart disease. High levels of cholesterol in the blood (high blood cholesterol) can be serious because it can cause fatty deposits, called plaque, to build up in arteries, making blood flow more difficult.
High blood cholesterol is a serious condition that increases the risk for heart disease, the number one killer of Americans—women and men.
What Affects Cholesterol Levels?
*Diet: Saturated fat and cholesterol in the food can make blood cholesterol go up.
*Weight: Losing weight can help lowering LDL and raise HDL.
*Physical activity: Regular physical activity can lower LDL.
Blood cholesterol
