Heart disease is linked to high cholesterol. Whether eating cholesterol causes them is unclear. Current research on dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol and heart disease is examined in this article.
Your body makes waxy, fat-like cholesterol.
Even though cholesterol is essential for life, many people assume it's bad.
All cell membranes include cholesterol.
The body needs it to make hormones, vitamin D, and other important activities. Life would be impossible without it.
What is cholesterol?
Rarely is cholesterol mentioned in heart health discussions.The blood's lipoproteins carry cholesterol. Lipids and proteins make up lipoproteins.Many lipoproteins exist, but LDL and HDL are the most crucial for heart health.
Cholesterol and lipoproteins
LDL, 60–70% of blood lipoproteins, transports cholesterol. This cholesterol is called “bad” because it's linked to atherosclerosis, or arterial plaque. High LDL cholesterol increases heart disease risk. In fact, higher levels increase risk.
The LDL particle
HDL transports excess cholesterol to the liver for utilization or excretion. Some research suggests HDL prevents arterial plaque. HDL cholesterol is considered “good” since it reduces heart disease risk.
HDL cholesterol
Many believe cholesterol causes heart disease, but it doesn't.
Inflammation, oxidative stress, high blood pressure, and smoking cause it.
Lipoproteins cause heart disease despite dietary cholesterol's ineffectiveness.
Dietary cholesterol, heart disease
Simple lifestyle changes lower cholesterol. Losing weight can reduce cholesterol. Several studies show that 5–10% weight loss reduces cholesterol and heart disease risk in overweight people. Many foods lower cholesterol. This includes avocados, beans, almonds, soy, fruits, and vegetables.
Ways to decrease cholesterol
also see
also see
The 10 Best Diet Tips to Lose Weight and Improve Health