Lowering Your Cholesterol By: Christine James

Cholesterol Cholesterol High cholesterol affects 42 million Americans, and 63 million more have borderline high cholesterol.

What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver and found in certain foods, such as food from animals, like dairy products (whole milk), eggs and meat. The body’s cell walls, or membranes, need cholesterol in order to produce hormones, vitamin D and the bile acids that help to digest fat.

What Causes Excessive Cholesterol? HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol because high concentrations in the blood are associated with a low risk of heart attack. LDL cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol that's associated with a higher risk of heart disease. Initiate the condition known as “atherosclerosis”.

Factors that Effect cholesterol Levels DietExerciseGeneticsWeightGender

Symptoms of High Cholesterol The result can be heart-related chest pain or other symptoms of coronary artery disease, as well as symptoms of decreased blood supply to the brain (transient ischemic attacks or stroke). heart-related chest pain(transient ischemic attacks stroke).heart-related chest pain(transient ischemic attacks stroke).

Diet: National Cholesterol Education Program recommends Saturated fat — less than 7% of calories Monounsaturated fat — about 20% of calories Polyunsaturated fat — about 10% of calories Protein — about 15% of calories Carbohydrates — about 50% of calories Fiber — about 25 grams per day Cholesterol — less than 200 milligrams per day

Ways to Lower Cholesterol Make sure your diet is not too high in saturated fats, which can cause an increase in LDL levels. The best strategy for reducing one’s trans fat and saturated fat intake is to read food labels and eat a balanced heart-healthy diet. Exercise

Nutritional experts recommend that you eat a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Nutritional experts recommend that you eat a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Make small additions to your meals. Make small additions to your meals. Go to or