Cholesterol - What is Cholesterol?
Learn more about cholesterol. You have probably seen the television ads that promote products to balance your cholesterol levels. Maybe your doctor says your cholesterol levels are too high. Whatever the reason, it's good to know what cholesterol is. HealthTips4Boomers.com offers these tips and products to help promote healthy cholesterol levels.
What is Cholesterol?Cholesterol is a substance produced naturally by your liver. We also get cholesterol from what we eat. Products such as red meat, poultry, fish and dairy products all contain cholesterol. Your body needs cholesterol to help insulate nerves, make cell membranes, and produce certain hormones. And, since the body creates cholesterol, you don't need any more from your diet.
Cholesterol levels are determined by a blood test. Recommended levels are:
| Total cholesterol LDL cholesterol HDL cholesterol Total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio LDL cholesterol-to-HDL ratio Triglycride recommended levels | less than 200 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter) less than 130 mg/dl greater than 35 mg/dl less than 4.5 less than 3.0 50-150 mg/dl |
What is LDL cholesterol?
LDL is the "bad" cholesterol - LDL stands for low density lipoprotein; the LDL carries cholesterol to the arteries.
What is HDL cholesterol?
HDL is the "good cholesterol - HDL stands for high density lipoprotein; the HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver and out of the body.
What's Next If You Have Elevated Cholesterol Levels?
Control your cholesterol with diet, lifestyle changes and supplements.Some products that aid with cholesterol maintenance include
- Policosanol - 5 to10 mg twice per day
- Sytrinol - 150 mg twice per day
- Pantethine - 300 mg one to three times per day
- Niacin - 500 mg of flush-free niacin three time per day
- Gugulipid - one gram (1000 mg) three times per day