Not all cholesterol is bad. In fact, cholesterol in general isn’t bad. Cholesterol is manufactured by our bodies to help keep us healthy. Our bodies produce some of it while the food we eat provides the rest.

There is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. People should know the difference between the two. If you have too much or not enough of either, your chances of suffering a heart attack, stroke or suffering from coronary disease are increased.

Cholesterol is a soft substance that is wax like. Cholesterol can be found in the cells and bloodstream. Cholesterol occurs naturally in your system. It is used in the creation of some hormones and cell membranes. Risks involved with high cholesterol are extremely dangerous.

Cholesterol is created by the body and consumed through food. Food is responsible for about 25% of the cholesterol in the body. The cells and liver create the rest.

The type of cholesterol that we are constantly warned about is LDL, or bad cholesterol. This is the cholesterol that clogs the arteries if too much is present.

The liver and other cells create the bad cholesterol as well as the good. If high cholesterol runs in your family, you run the risk of inheriting the disease. Foods containing Trans fats or saturated fats affect cholesterol levels by making them rise. Considering the role genetics may play, sometimes changing your lifestyle is not enough to bring the levels down.

Your blood requires lipoproteins to carry cholesterol to and from cells because it cannot be absorbed by the blood. Lipoproteins fall into two categories. The first is low-density lipoprotein, or LDL the bad cholesterol. The second, known as high-density lipoprotein, or HDL is good for you. These proteins along with cholesterol and triglycerides are what your cholesterol count is made of.

If there is too much bad cholesterol in your blood it eventually starts to build up in your arteries. When this combines with other substances, plaque forms making the arteries start to harden.

There are those that believe that HDL actually stops you from experiencing heart attacks. Unlike LDL, if HDL falls to low, your become at high risk for a heart attack.

There are some common misunderstandings about cholesterol.

The intestines and liver control LDL levels. Diet and exercise will help but will not completely lower the levels to normal range.

Substituting margarine for butter can help control my cholesterol levels. They are both high in fat so use them sparingly. Remember that when it comes to cholesterol levels saturated and Trans fats are what affect it. So, switching to margarine may not be enough to lower your cholesterol levels.

Regardless of your weight or size, anyone can have high cholesterol.

Your health is in your hands. Ask your doctor about being tested if you are concerned.

Most food that is low in cholesterol is more than likely going to be high in fat. Read the food labels before buying it.

Just because you take medication for high cholesterol, doesn’t mean that you don’t need to watch what you eat.

If you are going to eat eggs, keep in mind that they are good for you as long as take into consideration the cholesterol that you consume from other food as well.

High cholesterol is as much as woman’s problem as it is a man’s. Once women reach menopause, they have to take estrogen which increases your cholesterol levels. Increasing levels also happen naturally with age.

Have your cholesterol levels checked starting in your 20’s. If you wait until you are middle aged, it might be to late.

Would you like to learn more about cholesterol diet tips? Read other article at low cholesterol diet