Cholesterol 101

ABOUT CHOLESTEROL: Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the fats in the bloodstream and in cells. It's an important part of a healthy body because it's used to form cell membranes, some hormones and serve other needed bodily functions. Too high a level of cholesterol can be dangerous and put a person at risk for coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attack. It's also a risk factor for stroke. While people often talk about one number for cholesterol -- the total cholesterol -- the number is actually made up of a number of different factors, all of which are important to maintain optimal health. The most talked about factors are HDL (high density lipoprotein), the so-called "good cholesterol", LDL (low density lipoprotein), or the "bad cholesterol", and triglycerides, which are a normal form of fat but which can be markers for a condition known as metabolic syndrome. The LDL is what can clog your arteries while the HDL travels away from your arteries.

WHAT SHOULD MY CHOLESTEROL BE? Total cholesterol is recommended to be below 200, but more doctors are encouraging people to look at the other factors as well. Optimal LDL is below 100 and optimal HDL for men is 40 to 50. For women, it's 50 to 60. Triglyceride levels should be below 150.

DIET AND CHOLESTEROL: While your body makes some cholesterol, the rest comes from animal products you eat, such as meats, poultry, fish, eggs, butter, cheese and whole milk. These fats raise your LDL. Food from plants like fruits, vegetables and cereals does not have cholesterol. The vegetable fats, such as canola oil and olive oil can actually lower your LDL. Some foods that do not contain animal products may contain trans-fats, which cause your body to make more cholesterol. Foods with saturated fats also cause the body to make more cholesterol. Still other foods that are high in carbohydrates, including the simple starches like potatoes, rice, pasta, bread, carrots and corn, lower your HDL and raise your triglycerides.

LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL: Medications can lower cholesterol in extreme situations, but lifestyle changes may be all it takes for some people. Some suggestions to lower your cholesterol include:

Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.

Eat six or more servings of cereals, breads, pasta and other whole-grain products each day.

Eat fish, poultry without skin, and leaner cuts of meat instead of fatty ones.

Eat nonfat or 1 percent milk dairy products rather than whole milk dairy products.

Enjoy 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous activities on most (or all) days of the week.

Maintain a healthy weight.

For More Information, Contact:
Timothy Still
Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Cholestech Corporation
3347 Investment Blvd.
Hayward, CA 94545-3808
(800) 733-0404
www.cholestech.com

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