If you are living an unhealthy lifestyle, you are increasing the risk of developing high cholesterol. Having high cholesterol is bad because it increases the risk of you having a heart attack, stroke, or high blood pressure. This article will explain the basics of cholesterol. You will learn what cholesterol is, what causes high cholesterol, and ways to manage it. After reading, you should then be able to take small steps in decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol in your body.

Cholesterol is a white crystalline substance found in animal tissues that is normally synthesized by the liver. It is important as a constituent of cell membranes, and a precursor to steroid hormones. Cholesterol is made by the body and consumed in food products that come from animals. It primarily travels in the blood as two compounds: high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL). HDL is often referred to as the good cholesterol, while LDL is considered the bad cholesterol.

The primary cause of high cholesterol comes from the unhealthy foods you eat. Foods that are high in saturated fat such as butter, cheese, and whole milk are the most prone to giving a person high cholesterol. As you eat, cholesterol from food is absorbed by your digestive tract. The food then travels into your liver and circulates through your body in the bloodstream. Generally, all foods that are of animal origin have the highest amount of cholesterol.

If you currently have high cholesterol or have a family history of this illness, then there are healthy steps you can take to manage it.

*Lifestream LSP3200 Cholesterol Test Strips for Lifestream Cholesterol Monitors allow you to monitor your cholesterol levels.

* If you smoke, ask your doctor for suggestions on how to quit.
* Get routine health checkups and cholesterol screenings.
* Choose foods that are low in saturated fat.
* Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
* Lose weight if you are overweight.

High cholesterol makes you feel tired, moody, and irritable. The hardest part about managing your cholesterol is refraining from the good fattening foods that we`ve enjoyed for years. Don`t get discouraged if you don`t notice lower cholesterol after the first day. Improving your health is a marathon, not a sprint. Until next time, later.

*http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=cholesterol
*http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&safe=off&defl=en&q=define:Cholesterol&sa=X&oi=glossary_definition&ct=title
*http://www.2sourcesofcholesterol.com/high_cholesterol/2sourcesofcholesterol/your_cholesterol/index.jsp
*http://bepowerful.com/conditions/high_cholesterol/prevention.php

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