Our bodies create cholesterol in order to keep us healthy. Some cholesterol is created within us while other cholesterol is ingested when you eat. If you think about it, cholesterol isn’t all bad.

Heart disease, heart attacks and strokes are often associated with cholesterol; however, there is good and bad cholesterol. If the levels aren’t within the norms, the above results often happen.

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 cannot absorb cholesterol. Lipoproteins carry cholesterol to and from cells. These lipoproteins are known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL the bad cholesterol. The good cholesterol or lipoproteins are called high-density lipoprotein, or HDL. These types of lipids in conjunction 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.

Heart attacks can be prevented by HDL, or good cholesterol. The downside is that if your HDL levels fall below the normal levels, you are placed at higher risk for heart attacks.

There are some common misunderstandings about cholesterol.

Some believe that exercise and diet are what control cholesterol levels. These two do affect the good cholesterol in your body; however, the bad cholesterol levels are controlled by your liver and intestines.

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.

High cholesterol can affect anyone no matter how much you weigh.

Ultimately, you are responsible for your health. If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, ask your doctor if they believe it should be tested.

Just because a nutrition label says there is no cholesterol, it doesn’t mean that the food is a healthy option. A lot of foods that claim to be low in cholesterol contain high amounts of saturated or Trans fats.

Watch what foods you eat even if you take medication.

Eggs are healthy for you as long as you remember to consider your cholesterol consumption from all the food you eat.

High cholesterol is not just a mans problem. Estrogen that is taken during menopause can actually increase your cholesterol levels. These levels increase naturally with age as well.

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 how to lower cholesterol? Read other article at cholesterol diet