Cholesterol's Ying and Yang

Cholesterol has a "ying and a yang" feature. People most commonly think of cholesterol in a negative or fearful manner. They envision the dreaded possibility of a heart attack or a stroke because of cholesterol. While the fears of people are legitimate to a point, understanding cholesterol and the role it plays within the blood cells may help reduce the cold sweats of having cholesterol in the blood. With that in mind, cholesterol is essential to cell functioning and their ability to travel throughout the body with nourishing and life giving components.

Cholesterol's bad wrap may be abated by the end of this Hub. Depending on the type cholesterol, people fear its presence. Cholesterol is known for its "good cholesterol"or the HDL cholesterol level. And it is also known as the bad cholesterol which is often referred to as the "LDL" cholesterol level. Come with me and explore the dynamics of cholesterol and the role it plays within the blood cells of our body.

Cholesterol is an essential waxy substance that is found within the membrane of cells. It builds and maintains cell membrane and is found in the blood plasma of all living creatures. It is primarily found in all species of animals but at much lower levels in plants.

Cholesterol is required at the molecular level to help in cell functioning and nerve conduction. It is an essential mammalian component. Cholesterol enables cells to be fluid or maintain fluidity and permeability. With the proper amount of fluid in the cell walls, they will transport easily throughout the body by way of plasma. The fluidity of cells is essential in maintaining temperatures throughout the body as they are transported throughout the body.

The body produces or synthesizes its own cholesterol. In addition to producing its own internal cholesterol, people consume varying levels of cholesterol through their diets. When high levels of cholesterol are carried throughout the body, it is done in the form of lipoproteins. Lipoproteins consist of fat and proteins which carries cholesterol to the cells in the body by way of the blood streams.

When the body reaches high levels of cholesterol within the blood, people find their health challenged by a condition known as atherosclerosis. People may avoid atherosclerosis by maintaining their daily cholesterol levels at 35mg or 7 percent of daily diets. Scientific research found most people in the United States have cholesterol levels well within the 200mg-300 mg daily. Also, the high consumption of cholesterol in the diet signals the body to stop producing or synthesizing its own cholesterol or you might say the good cholesterol.

Cholesterol is produced primarily by the liver. It produces about 25 percent of daily cholesterol. The liver is not the only organ that produces cholesterol, it is also produced in lower levels in the intestine, in the adrenal glands and in the reproductive organs.

Cholesterol is also introduced into the body by way of the diet. Foods such as flax seeds, peanuts contain cholesterol like components called " phytosterals. They are credited with being good cholesterol foods. These are cholesterol filled foods people are encouraged to consume. They are also known as plant-based cholesterol containing foods.

Foods high in saturated fats and transfats contain cholesterol that is considered bad cholesterol. Margarine, fast foods and snacks cooked in hydrogenated vegetable oils are known to contain transfats and other saturated fats. They add bad cholesterol to the system. They are contributors to the bad health people experience when their cholesterol levels reach the dangerous levels for serious health diseases.Other foods that contain cholesterol include cheese, animal meat, egg yolks, shrimp and mother's milk. If consumed, should be eaten in moderation because of their LDL cholesterol properties.

The average person in the United States has an unhealthy cholesterol intake level between 200mg and 300mg daily. With cholesterol at or above these levels, people are subject to serious heart problems such as attacks and strokes and other organ damage.

Traditional doctors treat high cholesterol levels with powerful drugs known as statins. The statins do not cure the problem. They cover the source of the problem, which is too much fat in the blood. There are other steps people may consider when attempting to manage their high cholesterol problems.

People have discovered a different approach to managing bad cholesterol. They are returning to natural supplements. Natural supplements are empowering people's management of high cholesterol with encouraging results. Natural supplements are considered alternative means of managing cholesterol. Natural supplements attempt to create a healthy ratio balance between the HDL cholesterol and the LDL cholesterol.

The supplements accomplish the balance by using plant based sterols known as "phytosterols." Their job is to prevent absorption of cholesterol through the foods eaten in meals. This is known as blocking the absorption of cholesterol.

The danger with cholesterol is its ability to oxidize. This oxidation contributes to the levels of LDL cholesterol. Oxidation may be managed by antioxidants. The antioxidants that help maintain the healthy cholesterol ratio between HDL and LDL are tocotrienol and garlic. They fight the free radicals and protect the lining of the arteries.

As mentioned earlier, cholesterol has been given a bad wrap that causes people to needlessly fear the thought of cholesterol in their bodies. But honestly, we need both the LDL cholesterol and we need the HDL cholesterol. They require a delicate ratio in the body which helps us maintain a fully functioning internal system.Some of the benefits or reasons we need cholesterol include the following...

• we would die if we did not have cholesterol in the body, there must be a balance between HDL and LDL cholesterol
  
• cholesterol is required at the core of every cell in the body
• cholesterol is an essential part of the production of Vitamin D, estrogen, testosterone and bile acids. Bile acids are needed in the digestion of fat

Now you learned the good and the bad about cholesterol. It is essential to our bodies from the cellular level and out to the elimation of waste from the body. The good things cholesterol does for our body is the positive or good affects it has on our ability to live a healthier quality of life. When cholesterol levels are too high or too low, we are subject to severe health risks. These health risks could cause early death or chronic illnesses which result in chronic illnesses  and never ending medical bills. Now you know the ying and the yang about cholesterol.

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

Best Time to Eat

Best Way to Eat Collards

Salt for Life