If you have had a cholesterol test recently and found out that you have high bad cholesterol, or if you are worried you may be at risk of getting high bad cholesterol….do not fear, this helpsheet will give you a better understanding of what high bad cholesterol is and what you can do to reduce your levels of it.
Types of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol that you need to know about. First, there is low-density lipoprotein (LDL- a.k.a. BAD cholesterol) this can release cholesterol into the blood causing a higher risk of heart disease and strokes. Then there is high-density lipoprotein (HDL- a.k.a. GOOD cholesterol) this picks up the cholesterol in the blood and takes it back to the liver and give us some protection against heart disease and strokes.
So…what is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a substance made by the liver but can also be found in a number of our foods. Contrary to popular beliefs, cholesterol (but only the good one) does have a vital role to play in the body’s cells, such as, is needed to create Vitamin D. However, the one we hear about most often, is when we have too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, as mentioned this can increase the risk of circulatory problems and heart disease.
When your body has too much LDL cholesterol, the LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your blood vessels. This buildup is called “plaque.” As your blood vessels build up plaque over time, the insides of the vessels narrow. This narrowing blocks blood flow to and from your heart and other organs. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause angina (chest pain) or a heart attack
How can you be affected by high cholesterol?
Genetics
Diet & Lifestyle
Weight
Gender
Age
Ethnicity
Medical history
What foods contribute to/increase bad cholesterol?
Butter
Fatty meats and meat products such as sausages
Full fat cheese, milk, cream and yoghurt
Coconut and palm oils
How do I lower my levels of bad cholesterol?
Through the consumption of such foods: Soya foods, nuts, oats & barley, fortified foods with plant sterols & stanols, fruit & vegetables, unsaturated fats.
By living a healthy lifestyle, you can help keep your cholesterol in a healthy range and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. If you have any of your own questions about your diet and nutrition, get in touch today!