Lowering Cholesterol Naturally

Posts Tagged ‘HDL cholesterol’

What is cholesterol, anyway?  You hear about it on TV, in magazines and (maybe) at your doctor’s office.  You know you don’t want it too high, and even perhaps that there are two types.  But you still want to know why cholesterol is so important!  Let’s take a look at the role it plays in your body.

What is Cholesterol?

First, you need to know that this is a substance that is naturally produced in your body, and has a role in your overall good health.  Don’t be scared of it!

Cholesterol is a waxy substance, called a sterol, that floats in your bloodstream.  It’s used by your body to help your cell membranes be permeable and flexible – good things.  It’s also an important component in creating bile acids (used for digestion), hormones and even vitamin D!  As you see, cholesterol is something your body needs in order to be healthy.

Here’s the deal, though — you don’t want too much of a good thing, because that’s where you can run into problems.

Types of Cholesterol – HDL and LDL

As you may already know, there are two different types of cholesterol – HDL and LDL.

HDL is also known as high density lipoprotein, and it’s the “good” cholesterol.  The way you can remember is the “H” means you want it high in your blood.

LDL is also called low density lipoprotein, and it’s often referred to as “bad cholesterol”.  And similar to before, the “L” tells you that it needs to be low in your bloodstream.

Those are the two types; let’s see how they actually function in your body.

LDL Cholesterol in Your Body

LDL is usually called bad cholesterol because it’s (for lack of a more scientific term) “stickier” in your bloodstream.  This means that it’s more likely to stick to your artery walls and start building up into something called a plaque.  If you look at the photo above, you can see the plaque represented in yellow.

Plaque can build up until it actually blocks the blood flow in your arteries, which is definitely not something you want to have happen.  Especially if that artery is on your heart or leading to your brain, because that may mean a heart attack or stroke.

What is HDL Cholesterol – What Does it Do?

When it comes to HDL, it’s almost the reverse — it’s less sticky and actually helps to escort the LDL out of your bloodstream.  HDL ushers LDL back to the liver, or to where it’s needed for your body’s functions (like making vitamin D or hormones).  This is why you want a higher level of HDL, since it “chaperones” the LDL when it’s in the blood, to makes sure it gets to where it needs to be.

Cholesterol Readings and Your Health

Based on the above definitions, you’re probably wondering if a total cholesterol reading tells the whole story.  And you’d be right!  The total score doesn’t tell you about the balance between HDL and LDL in your body.  So the next time you have your cholesterol levels done, you’ll want to ask about the ratio between the two types.

How to Lower Cholesterol Without Drugs

If you’re not keen on the idea of statin drugs with their myriad side-effects, you’ll want to know how to lower cholesterol naturally.  In these pages you’ll find information about the niacin-cholesterol link, not to mention foods to lower cholesterol.  And don’t foget about the benefits of red yeast rice!

Now that you know the answer to the question, “What is cholesterol?” it’s time to learn about lowering cholesterol naturally.