Cholesterol is a fatty substance found normally in blood, it is produced mainly in the liver, and it also comes from certain foods that we eat. It is used by the body to perform vital functions such as: building and maintaining cell membranes, hormone synthesis, and the manufacture of vitamin D. Cholesterol is beneficial to the body if kept within specified limits. To maintain good health, LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) level needs to be low and the HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) levels higher. LDL delivers cholesterol to the body- this is the “Bad Cholesterol” and is associated with the risk of heart disease. It causes plaque build-up and leads to Atherosclerosis- the thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries.
HDL is the “Good Cholesterol”- it removes LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, extracts the build-up from the artery walls, and disposes of it through the Liver, preventing Atherosclerosis. Cholesterol is measured in three ways: LDL Level, HDL Level, and the Total Cholesterol Level (sum of LDL and HDL).
Many factors affect cholesterol levels including: hereditary factors, diet and lifestyle, lack of exercise, and the overall health of your Liver.
Some suggested holistic health supplements include:
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