About Cholesterol, and How it Affects You?
Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007Cholesterol is a biochemical substance that your body needs to function; in fact, it is essential for life. You need cholesterol to form cell membranes, many hormones, and bile acids (which digest fat), to name just a few examples. Without cholesterol, you couldn’t live. But, as is so often the case, too much cholesterol can do you harm.
When you have high levels of cholesterol in your blood, you’re at higher risk of heart disease – and the higher these levels, the greater your risk. Given that heart disease is currently the number-one killer of both men and women in the United States, this isn’t a risk that you should ignore. However, eating in a heart-healthy way, being physically active, and losing weight (if you are overweight) are things everyone can do to lower their cholesterol levels and their risk.
When your cholesterol is checked, what’s being measured? Why is some cholesterol called “good” and some “bad”? Read on to learn more about cholesterol.