Health And Fitness - The Consequences Of Cholesterol

Even considering there is a great deal of focus today on cholesterol being bad and how it affects your heart, the truth is something different

. Cholesterol is an important part of your body functions. A lot of people get confused by the existence of both good and bad types of cholesterol. The liver produces cholesterol, and normally the body does not need any help creating it.

Outside cholesterol is made by the foods we consume, mainly meat and dairy products, along with shellfish. Foods based on plants are mostly free of cholesterol. The problem with health and fitness occurs when excess cholesterol accumulates inside the body and causes a narrowing of the arteries. You can do a few things to reduce bad cholesterol intake and up the good kind. Yes, there is actually good cholesterol.

There is LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein is the type regarded as 'bad' cholesterol. High blood cholesterol is relatively symptom free, so most are unaware of the dangers lurking within their bodies. Cholesterol builds up in arteries when present in high levels, making one susceptible to heart disease, as well as other ailments, affecting health and fitness. High-density lipoprotein is the 'good' cholesterol. It takes cholesterol to the liver. The cholesterol is then processed by the liver which removes it.

Factors that raise LDL are frequently the same things that are advertised as bad for health in general. This includes smoking, eating foods containing saturated fats, inactivity, and weight gain. Smoking is said to be dangerous since it actually lowers the good cholesterol or HDL. Those that are not smokers, but are affected by secondhand smoke also develop lowered HDL. Foods high in fat, especially saturated and trans fats, cause LDL levels to spike. A contributary factor to producing high blood cholesterol is inactivity, by not just raising the bad cholesterol, but additionally reducing the levels of good cholesterol. This is all bad for to health and fitness.

All that being said health and fitness can be improved by reducing LDL and raising HDL cholesterol levels. Medication can be used, but most can follow a simple plan to lower all but the most stubborn cholesterol levels. Some of these steps are such common sense things like consuming the right foods, taking the time to exercise, and quitting smoking. Oatmeal has been used in studies to show its effect on high cholesterol. This fiber rich food acts as a broom, sweeping cholesterol away. Foods high in omega fatty acids, such as flax seed, walnuts, and olive oil are all known to enhance good cholesterol levels. Nuts and oil are high in fat, so moderation is key. Exercise raises HDL levels, even though it also raises endorphins, while minimizing LDL levels and improving heart health. Even though there are plenty of ways to ruin the body, small changes can bring about much improved health.

by: Dave Smith...

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