Cholesterol
Human Body
About Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) found in the bloodstream of all animals and can only be found in animal products. It is a waxy-fat feeling substance that cant dissolve in water.Particles of cholesterol formed in the liver called lipoproteins, they help move the cholesterol through the body. Our bodies already make most of the cholesterol that we need to live. The liver makes 80% and the 20% left comes from the food we ingest. There are 2 types of cholesterol HDL and LDL. HDL is considered as the good cholesterol and stands for High Density Lipoprotein. LDL is considered the bad cholesterol and stands for Low Density Lipoprotein.Treatment for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is to maintain a healthy eating lifestyle and exercising on a regular basis but there are also medications such as citorvastatin, fluvastati, rosuvastatin and simvastatin.
Consequences of Having to Much LDL
- Too much LDL can cause build up in the arteries.
- can Lead to serious health problems like heart attacks or strokes.
- High cholesterol is called : Hypocholesteremia
- High cholesterol mostly does not have any symptoms
- Low cholesterol can cause memory loss and Alzheimer's disease increasing the risk of dementia
- Also increases the risk of depression and suicide
- May lead to violent behavior and aggression ,Increased risk of cancer.
Daily Intake of Cholesterol
- 300mg DV (Daily Value)
- The amount of cholesterol taken also depends on the height , build, gender and activity level of one person.
- Normal levels of cholesterol in teenagers are between 120 and 170 mg/dl.
- After 18: levels of cholesterol are considered to be Average but conintue to rise 1 point per year of age.
- rise about 1 point per year of age.
- Levels between 171 and 200 mg/dl are known to be borderline high.
- Levels higher than 200 mg/dl in teenager are to high and can cause serious issues of cholesterol building up or other harmful things to the body.
Some Consequences of Not Having Enough HDL
- illness is called hyperalphalipoproteinemia
- Can cause heart disease and
- slow down creating neurological problems
- Causes of low HDL : type 2 diabetes, overweight/obesity, elevated triglycerides, lack of physical activities, cigarette smoking and high carbohydrate intake.
function of cholesterol
- Creates the hormones known as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, aldosterone and cortisone
- Produces vitamin D
- Produces stomach bile which helps with the digestion as well absorption of vitamins
- Supports maintain the cell membrane by making human cell membranes
- Is extremely important for some functions of the brain such as memories.
Foods with High Cholesterol
Egg yolks
Liver
Fish
Fast food
Butter
Shell fish
Shrimp
Bacon
Sausages
Red meat
Cheese
Pastries
Fun Facts
- Cholesterol is a steroid lipid (fat) found in the blood of all animals and is only found in animal products.
- Cholesterol is a waxy-fat like substance that does not dissolve in water.
- Particles formed in the liver called lipoproteins help transport cholesterol through the body.
- Our bodies already manufacture most of the cholesterol that we need
- The liver makes 80% of the cholesterol and the 20% left comes from the food we ingest.
- There are 2 types of cholesterol HDL and LDL. HDL is considered as the good cholesterol and stands for High Density Lipoprotein. LDL is considered the bad cholesterol and stands for Low Density Lipoprotein.
- Treatment for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is to maintain a healthy eating lifestyle and exercising on a regular basis but there are also medications such as citorvastatin, fluvastati, rosuvastatin and simvastatin.