Cholesterol

The human body is designed to run smoothly, like a well tuned car. Cholesterol plays a role in helping the body run smoothly. Cholesterol is a soft, fatty substance. It is produced in the liver and helps the body produce hormones, bile, and vitamin D. Cholesterol becomes a problem when there is too much in the body. According to the American Heart Association, 50% of Americans aged 20 and older have too much cholesterol putting them at risk for heart disease.

Types of Cholesterol and Fat

If you have ever picked up a cholesterol laydened piece of fried chicken, you know that you’re going to have to wash your hands afterward. As with most greasy things, you can’t just rinse it off it takes soap because fat won’t dissolve in water. This is true in the body as well. Cholesterol and other fats don’t dissolve in the blood, so special proteins carry them in the blood stream. These proteins are called lipoproteins.

High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
High Density Lipoproteins or HDL for short is the “Healthy” cholesterol. It helps your body get rid of cholesterol by carrying it away from the arteries. This reduces your risk of heart disease.

Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL)
Low Density Lipoproteins or LDL for short is the “bad” cholesterol. If you have too much LDL it can stick to the walls of the blood vessels. Over time more cholesterol accumulates and may eventually block the vessel completely. Too much LDL increases your risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides
Triglycerides are fats that come from food you eat and from the body. If your triglycerides are high it is very likely your LDL cholesterol is high, and your HDL cholesterol is low (which is not healthy).