Managing Cholesterol Levels: Know What Fats are Good

by Richard J. Manager

The amount of cholesterol in the human organism may tell much about the person's overall health condition and habits. It is a known fact that high cholesterol levels are dangerous. That’s why it is important to know what cholesterol is useful and how one can keep it within the norm.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance, which possesses a waxy texture similar to fat. It is present in every cell of the human body because it takes part in many processes within the organism (e.g. vitamin D and hormones secretion).

There are two kinds of cholesterol:

Bad cholesterol. It builds up in the arteries thus narrowing their lumen. Low-density lipids cholesterol together with high triglycerides levels (a type of fats, which appears from processing unused calories) promote the progress of atherosclerosis. It may lead to serious heart disease like an angina, a stroke or a heart attack.
Good cholesterol. It helps to remove bad cholesterol from the blood stream to the liver where it breaks down. The higher the level of good cholesterol is, the lower are the chances of the person to have any cardiovascular problems.

In what way can cholesterol levels be controlled?

All the cholesterol we need is produced by our organism. Nevertheless, we also get it from the food we eat. There are two sources of bad cholesterol: saturated fats (dairy products, fat meat) and trans fats (chips, crackers).

To increase the levels of good cholesterol one should make certain changes in his lifestyle and nourishment.

Give preference to food rich in fiber and omega-3. Include nuts, vegetables, oats, fish and legumes into your daily ration;
Decrease the consumption of saturated fats. Choose lean meats and low-fat dairy products. Exclude trans fats;
Be physically active. Daily 30 minutes exercises will be enough for maintaining normal cholesterol levels;
Check your cholesterol levels. It will help to control the situation as high cholesterol levels don't have any outer signs.

Your lifestyle is your way to diseases or health. The choice is up to you, so don't lose your chance.