The terms cholesterol and heart disease seem to be permanently linked together, almost as if the former is the main cause of the latter. This is not true at all, however, as the majority of evidence links atherosclerosis as the primary cause of coronary heart disease, a condition caused when ruptured scar tissue appears within artery linings, as opposed to the actual buildup of plaque on the walls themselves. Some scientists have assumed that the cholesterol circulating in our bloodstream sticks to the artery walls, and that is to blame for a heart attack in these conditions, when there is strong evidence to suggest otherwise. As much negative publicity has been given to the amount of cholesterol in our bloodstream, linked to the saturated fat content, it is said that these twin evils simply cling to the lining of the arteries and cause a dangerous blockage.

We absolutely need cholesterol within the makeup and control of our bodily cells, as it is involved in transferring nutrients, regulating neuro transmitters, as well as hormones and is said to be a precursor to vitamin D transportation, which is another essential element. Too little cholesterol and hormonal problems will result, which in itself can lead to disease and major health problems. Nerve fibers can be coated with cholesterol, thereby protecting them and it is no surprise that scientists have linked some of the worst diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s to low levels of cholesterol.

Cholesterol can be measured three different ways as we hear all the time — total, HDL and LDL. We are educated in the difference between high cholesterol and low cholesterol and are told that LDL is “bad,” and HDL is “good.” HDL and LDL are lipoproteins, responsible for transporting cholesterol. LDL is low-density, carrying the cholesterol from the liver, while HDL is high-density and re-circulates the cholesterol to the liver for redistribution. In addition, fat is circulated through the bloodstream as well as the cholesterol, in the form of triglycerides. If you think about it for a moment, why would our bodies continue to move and recycle cholesterol in this way if it was so bad for us, as those scientists constantly preach?

It is far more likely that cellular damage and inflammation in the artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis, can be caused by high blood sugar, poor nutrition, stress, or high blood pressure, a sad consequence of our modern lifestyles. Going back to the 1950s, researchers have tried to tell us how heart disease is linked to the sheer amount of fat in our diets, but all the contradictory evidence has not received the same amount of exposure. Just look at the Eskimos as an example. Their diet is almost exclusively based on meat intake and yet their life spans are higher than average.

The Surgeon General advises us how to construct our diets. The Surgeon tells us not to eat saturated fats, but to focus on monounsaturated fats or polyunsaturated fats, but the majority of vegetable oils are high in Omega-6 fatty acids; most of us don’t counterbalance this with Omega-3 fatty acids, the beneficial acids found in fish. If we do as we’re told and look at the diets low in trans fat, or even high in carbohydrates, we can end up with elevated blood sugar which is also indicated for atherosclerosis.

Far too often, medication is indicated for a cholesterol “imbalance,” which can often have side effects. The most popular form of medication is called a statin, but we should be very wary of this. It’s far more likely that significant changes in lifestyle will reap rewards.

If you have just been diagnosed with high cholesterol, if is essential that you be informed about the disease in every way possible, so that you could take informed decisions on how to manage it.

Cholesterol plays an important part in our body. It works hard to produce vitamin D, certain hormones, cell walls and bile acids. It is a naturally occurring fat-soluble molecule. Our liver produces cholesterol and also in a smaller amount, through our diet.

There are two different types of cholesterol in our bloodstream in any given time, which are transported in little bundles which are called: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) which takes cholesterol from the liver to the body tissues. If there is a high level of unwanted (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, it will build up in the walls of the blood vessels and cause them to narrow.

Another type namely; HDL has the job to take the cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver where it is then processed and cast-off. Our bodies should have a high level of HDL (high-density lipoprotien), which in turn gives us healthy arteries and a healthy heart. The heart and cholesterol foundations of the world, now concur that an acceptable level of cholesterol in ones bloodstream would be 5. 5mmol/L or a bit lower. In layman’s terms this means we must maintain our bad LDL low and our good HDL high.

The western diet is rife with saturated fats in foods such as dairy products, fatty meats, fast foods and snack foods. Eating too much of those types of food is one of the most common causes of high cholesterol in society these days. It would be wise to substitute ones diet with foods that are low in saturated fats such a margarine spreads, oily fish, walnuts and pumpkin seeds.

By introducing physical activities into ones lifestyle, like an exercise routine, could drastically help with lowering ones cholesterol. Adhere to your doctor’s advise by eating well and having a good exercise regime daily. What is also deemed as undesirable for someone who has high cholesterol, is excessive alcohol and smoking. These two factors also play a huge role in managing ones cholesterol.

There are some factors that are unavoidable should you have cholesterol problems. Things like your gender would be one. It is known that males have a high cholesterol level than females. This does however level out when women start with menopause. Age also plays a big role as one tends to develop cholesterol problems with increased age. There is also the question of ethnic groups. Here it is also proven that certain ethnic groups are prone to have a higher risk than others. If your family members also suffer from high cholesterol, then the chances are that you would also as it is hereditary.

Would you like to learn more about foods that lower cholesterol? Read other article at low cholesterol diet