Cholesterol is a necessary component of the human body, used in building cell walls and to make various hormones; it is also needed for producing the bile acid that aids digestion.

The body manufactures most of the cholesterol that it needs, mainly in the liver. But the food that we eat provides an additional source.

In order that our body fats (or lipids) can perform their functions in the cells and can be stored in our fatty tissue as energy reserves, they have to be transported in the blood to various organs in the body. As these lipids are not water-soluble, the body provides a carrier substance known as lipoprotein to transport them in the blood.

Now there are two kinds of lipoprotein: the "good" high-density lipoprotein (or HDL - think of  "HIGH Quality") and the "bad" low-density lipoprotein (or LDL - think of  "LOW Quality").
A raised LDL value is bad news for us because it encourages arteriosclerosis (atherosclerosis). On the other hand a high HDL cholesterol level provides some protection against arteriosclerosis, because HDL has the beneficial effect of absorbing and disposing of excess cholesterol.

An excess of  "bad" LDL cholesterol is not easy for the body to remove, so it is deposited on the artery walls, where it plays it's part in encouraging arteriosclerosis and with this a gradual narrowing of our arteries. A high blood cholesterol level is therefore considered one of the main risk factors for the development of coronary heart disease, strokes, and obstruction of the arteries.

It's wise to get your cholesterol level checked because often by changing your lifestyle (diet, stress reduction, non-smoking, exercise, etc.) it is possible to get it within the recommended range (often quoted as 2.5 - 5.2).

Why Does Our Cholesterol Level Increase?

As was said earlier, our bodies need cholesterol to build cells and produce hormones. Healthy cells have receptors which enable LDL cholesterol to cross from the blood into the interior of the cell. By using it up this maintains our cholesterol levels in the correct range. However, if the diet contains too much fat, the cells are in effect overloaded and stop accepting more LDL, and this leads to a rise in the level of cholesterol in the blood. Those who are affected in this manner are usually overweight, but one can have a family predisposition for high cholesterol levels and in this case the cells do not have enough of the surface receptors needed to move LDL into them. In people with this genetic makeup very high cholesterol levels can occur despite a low-fat diet and conversely these people can be quite slim.

A Change of diet That Will Help!

1. We should reduce our intake of saturated fats (eg. animal products such as butter, full-fat milk products, meat and meat products, cakes and pastries, etc.).
2. Substitute low-fat products, use olive oil etc, and gradually get used to the new tastes opened up to us.
3. Studies suggest Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils) have an even greater beneficial effect on arteriosclorosis than olive oil, etc!
4. Reduce intake of foods high in cholesterol (animal products such as offal, egg yolk, seafood, butter, and full-fat milk products) and eat only in moderation.
5. Increase our dietary fibre by eating more wholemeal products, potatoes, pulses, vegetables and fruit as this helps to lower the cholesterol level. See 5_A_Day".
6. Use oils like olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil etc. in salads and cooking and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated spreads; as these help to increase the "good" HDL and lower the "bad" LDL.
7. Exercise and "sports" helps to increase the "good" HDL and lower the "bad" LDL also, and also helps to keep our weight regulated.
8. Those wishing to lower their cholesterol levels can use a cholesterol blocker to block cholesterol entering the blood stream from the food eaten. Some are in the form of a "fat" spread but can be awkward to use at all meals, while others are in tablet form for convenience.

Summary

• Get your cholesterol level checked!
• Use fats sparingly, especially saturated fats, coconut butter, etc. This usually lowers the cholesterol level more reliably than abstaining from individual foods that contain a lot of cholesterol.
• Increase your dietary fibre - eat plenty of wholemeal products, vegetables and fruit.
• Use oils like olive oil and sunflower oil in salads and cooking.
• If overweight, aim to lose weight.
• Take regular physical exercise.
• Check out "Cholesterol Blocking" products.

This general advice is given to show you some of the things which can help individuals who are trying to maintain correct cholesterol levels, but it is NOT to be considered as a subsitute for or to be used in place of consulting a trained medical practitioner regarding health problems. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.

"Kholesterol Blocker" from Nutrition For Life. contains Natural Pytosterols. The slight variation in the phytosterol molecule compared to cholesterol enables it to help the body block and regulate the absorption of most of the cholesterol from animal foods.
Take one/two tablet(s) before a meal to help reduce your cholesterol levels.