What’s All The Talk About Cholesterol
We have all heard so much about cholesterol, but most of us (even those with high cholesterol levels) don’t really know what it is. Here is just a quick over view of cholesterol, if you have more questions or need information just contact your doctors office. You usually don’t even need an appointment – just ask if they have any pamphlets about cholesterol. They you can just pick them up when you have a few minutes.
What is cholesterol and why should I even care about it? I can’t see it, so is it really going to hurt me?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found among other fats in the arteries. Although cholesterol plays an important role in the building of cell membranes and other tissues, a high cholesterol level is widely considered one of the major factors in the development of heart disease. When you have too much cholesterol in your body, it collects on the walls of your arteries and could cause clotting, which might lead to a stroke. Most experts recommend you maintain a cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL, which can usually be accomplished without the use of drugs through a diet consisting of high fiber, low-cholesterol foods.
In order to combat cholesterol and its harmful effects, many experts recommend we eat at least three servings of fruit or vegetables each day, and five is even better. These foods are low in cholesterol and high in fiber. One simple way to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables is to include them in snacks, salads, side dishes, deserts and entrees. You can add a wide variety of vegetables to most meat dishes, or occasionally plan completely vegetarian meals.
So the solution is simple. However, the only problem with any simple solution is it’s also just as simple not to use it.
Now you know the answer, but what are you going to do about it?
Tags: what causes high cholesterol levels, what is cholesterol, where does cholesterol come from