Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like material that is made by the liver. Cholesterol serves many vital functions, and is part of every cell in the body. Our bodies require cholesterol to maintain healthy cell walls, make hormones, make vitamin D, and to make bile acids.

The food we eat can also play a big part in the amount of cholesterol in our bodies. If we eat an excess of food containing saturated fat, the liver will produce more cholesterol than the body needs. Our bodies will also absorb cholesterol directly from food that contains cholesterol.

In nature cholesterol is only found in animal based foods, but some food processing can cause other foods to have cholesterol as well. Foods fried in animal fat or tropical oils, have also been found to contain cholesterol. Saturated fat is also found primarily in animal based foods.

Cholesterol on its own can not dissolve in the blood. Tiny particles called lipoproteins deliver cholesterol to and from the blood cells. There are two lipoproteins that work with cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “Bad” cholesterol, carries cholesterol in the blood stream to the tissues, where it can be used or stored by the body. The reason this type of cholesterol is referred to as “Bad” is that this is the cholesterol that can build-up and clog arteries. This is what happens when there is too much LDL in the body.

HDL cholesterol, often referred to as “Good” cholesterol, carries cholesterol in the blood stream from the tissues to the liver. The liver then expels this cholesterol from the body. A high HDL level will tend to protect against heart attack and stroke.

There are other factors that can affect your blood cholesterol levels. Some of these factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, inherited health traits, increased age, and gender. Women after menopause tend to have higher cholesterol than before menopause. Women also tend to have a higher HDL level throughout there lives than men. This may help to explain why women under the age of 80 usually experience lower rates of heart disease and stroke than men.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a high cholesterol level is considered to be over 200 mg/dL for your total cholesterol. Total cholesterol is calculated as (LDL + HDL). This however, is not the only figure that you should be concerned about. You also need to have a HDL level greater than or equal to 45 mg/dL, to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Total Blood Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: less than 200 mg/dL

Borderline: 200-239 mg/dL

High: 240 mg/dL or higher

HDL Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: 45 mg/dL or higher

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: less than 130 mg/dL

Borderline: 130-159 mg/dL

High: 160 mg/dL or higher

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Cholesterol In Young Adult

Parts of adolescent’s body are filled with a waxy stuff identified as cholesterol. It helps to produce vitamin D, cell membranes and certain hormones. Blood cholesterol comes from two different sources, liver within the body and food. The adolescent’s liver produces enough cholesterol to carry out proper functioning. The blood acts as the carrier of cholesterol and transports it to different parts of the body. They are transported in round particle form known as lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins called the low density lipoproteins or LDL and high density lipoproteins or HDL. Low density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol is commonly known as bad cholesterol. It helps in the building up of plaque in arteries and this condition is known as atherosclerosis. The LDL level must be low in the blood and if it is high it must be decreased. Healthy weight must be maintained and exercise should be done regularly. Food items which have high contents of calories, dietary cholesterol and saturated fat must be avoided. High density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol. It is actually a kind of fat in blood which helps to remove bad cholesterol from the body and stops the build up of plaque in the arteries. The more the HDL cholesterol in the blood the better it is. The HDL can be raised by at least twenty minutes of exercising daily, decreasing body mass and keeping away from food with saturated fat. Some adolescents need to take medications in order to increase HDL. In such cases, increasing HDL can be a complicated procedure and the physician can make a therapeutic plan to increase HDL in the blood stream. Cholesterol screening helps to determine the cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. Children and adolescents with normal cholesterol level is a thing of the past. Because of the changing lifestyle and junk food trend, even they have a high risk to develop high levels of cholesterol which also increases the risk of developing heart diseases which can affect the blood vessels and the coronary arteries. The main cause of this change is obesity, junk food high in fat, fast food diets, sedentary lifestyle and high cholesterol level in family history. Keeping the blood cholesterol levels at normal is a good way of avoiding high blood pressure and coronary artery diseases. The blood cholesterol level can vary from individual to individual. Healthy levels of LDL is less than one hundred and thirty milligrams, HDL is greater than thirty five milligrams. If the HDL is less than thirty five milligrams then the adolescent is at a higher risk of developing heart diseases. And LDL more than one hundred and thirty milligrams is dangerous. But a high level of LDL cholesterol is a problem in many citizens of America. And there is an expected increase in number, the figure is unknown, of adolescents who have a family history of high cholesterol levels. An adolescent or a child who has a parent having high levels of blood cholesterol and family history of heart diseases at an early age, should take cholesterol test from the age of two. Adolescents who are obese also should have lipid test along with cholesterol test. The lipid test shows levels of kinds of fats in blood such as triglycerides, LDL and HDL.

A low cholesterol diet could save your life because having a high cholesterol level leads to extremely serious heart conditions. High cholesterol is therefore a very serious problem for a lot of people. If you are suffering from high cholesterol you should consider a low cholesterol diet.

Of course, the first thing you should consider is talk to your doctor. Depending on your age, family history, and how high your cholesterol really is, you may need to be on medication and take more serious steps toward reducing your cholesterol. When your doctor determines that you should be on medication, he or she will probably also recommend both frequent exercise and a low cholesterol diet.

For a long time it was thought that high cholesterol was caused primarily by eating too many fatty and high cholesterol foods - for more information see http://www.diet.ie We now know that this is not really true. Cholesterol has more to do with genetics and your level of activity (or inactivity) than your diet. However, diet still is an important aspect of your cholesterol, and a low cholesterol diet is an effective compliment to exercise and today’s medications.

A low cholesterol diet should be focused on several things. The most obvious being avoiding too much cholesterol in what you eat. This is a bit more complicated than it sounds, however, because you want to avoid ‘bad’ cholesterol or LDLs (which stands for low density lipoproteins). HDLs (high density lipoproteins) are a ‘good’ form of cholesterol that you actually want to eat plenty of.

Most foods that are high in saturated fat are also high in LDLs. Fatty meats, butter, lard, heavy pastries, greasy sauces, these kinds of things all are high in LDLs and should be avoided or eaten in small quantities if you are on a cholesterol diet.

Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fiber are associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers, diabetes, digestive disorders, and heart disease. Diets that low in fat and rich in fiber-containing grain products, fruits, and vegetables may help to reduce the risk of some types of cancer. Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits, vegetables, and grain products that contain fiber, particularly soluble fiber, may reduce the risk of heart disease

Ask your doctor or a nutritionist about foods high in HDLs, as there are lots of them. Some nuts, avocado, and dark chocolate are some examples. Even more important than eating lots of HDLs is getting plenty of fiber in your food if you are on a low cholesterol diet. Fiber is a proven way to lower cholesterol, so you should round out any low cholesterol diet you try with plenty of roughage ie

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like material that is made by the liver. Cholesterol serves many vital functions, and is part of every cell in the body. Our bodies require cholesterol to maintain healthy cell walls, make hormones, make vitamin D, and to make bile acids.

The food we eat can also play a big part in the amount of cholesterol in our bodies. If we eat an excess of food containing saturated fat, the liver will produce more cholesterol than the body needs. Our bodies will also absorb cholesterol directly from food that contains cholesterol.

In nature cholesterol is only found in animal based foods, but some food processing can cause other foods to have cholesterol as well. Foods fried in animal fat or tropical oils, have also been found to contain cholesterol. Saturated fat is also found primarily in animal based foods.

Cholesterol on its own can not dissolve in the blood. Tiny particles called lipoproteins deliver cholesterol to and from the blood cells. There are two lipoproteins that work with cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL cholesterol, often referred to as “Bad” cholesterol, carries cholesterol in the blood stream to the tissues, where it can be used or stored by the body. The reason this type of cholesterol is referred to as “Bad” is that this is the cholesterol that can build-up and clog arteries. This is what happens when there is too much LDL in the body.

HDL cholesterol, often referred to as “Good” cholesterol, carries cholesterol in the blood stream from the tissues to the liver. The liver then expels this cholesterol from the body. A high HDL level will tend to protect against heart attack and stroke.

There are other factors that can affect your blood cholesterol levels. Some of these factors include being overweight, lack of exercise, inherited health traits, increased age, and gender. Women after menopause tend to have higher cholesterol than before menopause. Women also tend to have a higher HDL level throughout there lives than men. This may help to explain why women under the age of 80 usually experience lower rates of heart disease and stroke than men.

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), a high cholesterol level is considered to be over 200 mg/dL for your total cholesterol. Total cholesterol is calculated as (LDL + HDL). This however, is not the only figure that you should be concerned about. You also need to have a HDL level greater than or equal to 45 mg/dL, to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Total Blood Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: less than 200 mg/dL

Borderline: 200-239 mg/dL

High: 240 mg/dL or higher

HDL Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: 45 mg/dL or higher

LDL Cholesterol Levels

Desirable: less than 130 mg/dL

Borderline: 130-159 mg/dL

High: 160 mg/dL or higher

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Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels With Beta Sitosterol A Plant Phytosterol

Beta Sitosterol is a plant phytosterol that offers many benefits to your health. Many of these are due to its effect in reducing both total and LDL cholesterol in the blood, although that is not the only effect that phytosterols can have on your body. Phytosterol is one of many phytochemicals that are beneficial to your health, and the term ‘phyto’ simply indicates that the substance is obtained from plants. Phytosterols are not obtainable in your diet from animal sources, and beta sitosterol is mainly found in seeds, soy and corn oils. Because of this, most of the population do not have high intake, and so supplements are generally the most common source of this valuable material.There are commonly two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL, and it is the LDL form that is said to be the ‘bad’ cholesterol. In fact the terms refer to the high density and low density lipoproteins that carry the cholesterol around the body. Cholesterol itself is fat soluble, and does not dissolve in water. It therefore cannot travel through the blood without the aid of a water soluble protein, which is what the lipoproteins are. Low density lipoproteins consist of a charged protein portion and a lipid, or fat, frequently a triglyceride. The charged protein portion is water soluble, and can carry the lipid and cholesterol round the blood. Cholesterol is not a bad substance, but carries out many useful functions, one of which is repairing damage to blood vessels: a bit like a sticking plaster. However, the LDL can become oxidized by free radicals in the body, and it is this oxidized LDL that reacts by depositing fatty plaques of cholesterol onto the arterial walls and ultimately blocking them. The HDL carries cholesterol from the blood to the liver where it is destroyed and then secreted, which is why it is sometimes termed ‘good’ cholesterol. Beta sitosterol significantly reduces the amount of both LDL and total cholesterol levels in the blood. Once the total cholesterol level has dropped to a certain level, then the body produces more HDL cholesterol and so maintains balance that is higher than normal in the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. The way that phytosterols do this is believed to be by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut, because the sterols have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol and can occupy the cholesterol absorption sites. Beta sitosterol is particularly effective in this mechanism. Rather than the body absorbing cholesterol it passes it thorough the gut unchanged and eliminates it. The National Cholesterol Education Program has recommended that the optimum blood LDL cholesterol level is below 100 mg/dl and that the total of LDL and HDL be below 200 mg/dl. A regular intake of beta sitosterol can help to maintain these levels without reducing your cholesterol to a dangerously low level. As previously stated, cholesterol is an essential component of your normal biochemistry, and too low a level could be dangerous. What you need is natural regulation of the LDL form, and that is what beta sitosterol and the other phytosterols do. However, beta sitosterol does more than just control your cholesterol balance.It also supports the health of your prostate. Studies indicate that a daily intake of 60 mg – 130 mg beta sitosterol can reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the Sunday name for non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This could be due to its effect on LDL cholesterol levels, since other studies have indicated a possible connection between high cholesterol levels and prostate enlargement. This might again be due to the occupation of receptor sites in the prostate cell membranes by the phytosterol. Saw palmetto, commonly used to treat prostate problems, contains beta sitosterol. It also appears to modulate the biochemical synthesis of cytokines, which are responsible for the inflammatory response of the immune system to foreign invaders and tissue damage. It also appears to boost the activity of NK-cells, and also of the proliferation of lymphocytes in general. Another effect of beta sitosterol is in normalizing the insulin and blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase that is responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates to D-glucose which raises blood sugar levels. The upshot is that the onset of age related Type 2 diabetes is delayed. In general, beta sitosterol displays many properties beneficial to your health. It displays anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, is believed to be responsible for the suppression of cancers of the colon and prostate, and lymphocytic leukemia. It appears to act as an anti-inflammatory, and has a beneficial effect on ulcers and cramps. There is even evidence that it can help to cure allergies, although more studies are required to confirm this. Those suffering from specific allergies have reported a lessening of the effects when taking beta sitosterol supplements, although it is possible that other dietary factors were also involved.Beta sitosterol is contained in some concentration or another in most plants, but those richest in the phytosterol are wheat germ, peanuts, soybeans, corn oil, pumpkin seeds and rice bran. None of these form a particularly large part of the western diet, and a supplement is likely the best way to ensure a sufficiently adequate frequent intake as to have a significant effect on your LDL cholesterol level. Although a daily intake of 300 mg has been cited by some sources as adequate, there have been no reported ill effects of taking this supplement at higher dosages. As already stated, your cholesterol levels are self regulating to a minimum level and you cannot completely block its absorption. Hence, it is not possible to take so much beta sitosterol as to reduce your LDL cholesterol to a dangerously low level.There is sufficient evidence for the effects of beta sitosterol on the body to indicate that if your diet is low in those seeds, nuts and beans that contain significant quantities, the a supplement will provide you with benefits to your health, particularly if you have high blood cholesterol levels or problems with your prostate gland.

Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels With Beta Sitosterol A Plant Phytosterol

Beta Sitosterol is a plant phytosterol that offers many benefits to your health. Many of these are due to its effect in reducing both total and LDL cholesterol in the blood, although that is not the only effect that phytosterols can have on your body. Phytosterol is one of many phytochemicals that are beneficial to your health, and the term ‘phyto’ simply indicates that the substance is obtained from plants. Phytosterols are not obtainable in your diet from animal sources, and beta sitosterol is mainly found in seeds, soy and corn oils. Because of this, most of the population do not have high intake, and so supplements are generally the most common source of this valuable material.There are commonly two types of cholesterol: HDL and LDL, and it is the LDL form that is said to be the ‘bad’ cholesterol. In fact the terms refer to the high density and low density lipoproteins that carry the cholesterol around the body. Cholesterol itself is fat soluble, and does not dissolve in water. It therefore cannot travel through the blood without the aid of a water soluble protein, which is what the lipoproteins are. Low density lipoproteins consist of a charged protein portion and a lipid, or fat, frequently a triglyceride. The charged protein portion is water soluble, and can carry the lipid and cholesterol round the blood. Cholesterol is not a bad substance, but carries out many useful functions, one of which is repairing damage to blood vessels: a bit like a sticking plaster. However, the LDL can become oxidized by free radicals in the body, and it is this oxidized LDL that reacts by depositing fatty plaques of cholesterol onto the arterial walls and ultimately blocking them. The HDL carries cholesterol from the blood to the liver where it is destroyed and then secreted, which is why it is sometimes termed ‘good’ cholesterol. Beta sitosterol significantly reduces the amount of both LDL and total cholesterol levels in the blood. Once the total cholesterol level has dropped to a certain level, then the body produces more HDL cholesterol and so maintains balance that is higher than normal in the ‘good’ HDL cholesterol. The way that phytosterols do this is believed to be by reducing the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the gut, because the sterols have a similar chemical structure to cholesterol and can occupy the cholesterol absorption sites. Beta sitosterol is particularly effective in this mechanism. Rather than the body absorbing cholesterol it passes it thorough the gut unchanged and eliminates it. The National Cholesterol Education Program has recommended that the optimum blood LDL cholesterol level is below 100 mg/dl and that the total of LDL and HDL be below 200 mg/dl. A regular intake of beta sitosterol can help to maintain these levels without reducing your cholesterol to a dangerously low level. As previously stated, cholesterol is an essential component of your normal biochemistry, and too low a level could be dangerous. What you need is natural regulation of the LDL form, and that is what beta sitosterol and the other phytosterols do. However, beta sitosterol does more than just control your cholesterol balance.It also supports the health of your prostate. Studies indicate that a daily intake of 60 mg – 130 mg beta sitosterol can reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, the Sunday name for non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This could be due to its effect on LDL cholesterol levels, since other studies have indicated a possible connection between high cholesterol levels and prostate enlargement. This might again be due to the occupation of receptor sites in the prostate cell membranes by the phytosterol. Saw palmetto, commonly used to treat prostate problems, contains beta sitosterol. It also appears to modulate the biochemical synthesis of cytokines, which are responsible for the inflammatory response of the immune system to foreign invaders and tissue damage. It also appears to boost the activity of NK-cells, and also of the proliferation of lymphocytes in general. Another effect of beta sitosterol is in normalizing the insulin and blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme glucose-6-phosphatase that is responsible for the conversion of carbohydrates to D-glucose which raises blood sugar levels. The upshot is that the onset of age related Type 2 diabetes is delayed. In general, beta sitosterol displays many properties beneficial to your health. It displays anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, is believed to be responsible for the suppression of cancers of the colon and prostate, and lymphocytic leukemia. It appears to act as an anti-inflammatory, and has a beneficial effect on ulcers and cramps. There is even evidence that it can help to cure allergies, although more studies are required to confirm this. Those suffering from specific allergies have reported a lessening of the effects when taking beta sitosterol supplements, although it is possible that other dietary factors were also involved.Beta sitosterol is contained in some concentration or another in most plants, but those richest in the phytosterol are wheat germ, peanuts, soybeans, corn oil, pumpkin seeds and rice bran. None of these form a particularly large part of the western diet, and a supplement is likely the best way to ensure a sufficiently adequate frequent intake as to have a significant effect on your LDL cholesterol level. Although a daily intake of 300 mg has been cited by some sources as adequate, there have been no reported ill effects of taking this supplement at higher dosages. As already stated, your cholesterol levels are self regulating to a minimum level and you cannot completely block its absorption. Hence, it is not possible to take so much beta sitosterol as to reduce your LDL cholesterol to a dangerously low level.There is sufficient evidence for the effects of beta sitosterol on the body to indicate that if your diet is low in those seeds, nuts and beans that contain significant quantities, the a supplement will provide you with benefits to your health, particularly if you have high blood cholesterol levels or problems with your prostate gland.

Complete Information on Abetalipoproteinemia with Treatment and Prevention

Abetalipoproteinemia (ABL) is an extremely rare autosomal recessive disorder, caused by mutations of the microsomal triglyceride-transfer protein gene. Abetalipoproteinemia interferes with the normal absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins from food. It is not to be confused with dysbetalipoproteinemia. It affects the absorption of dietary fats, cholesterol, and certain vitamins. People affected by this disorder are not able to make certain lipoproteins, which are molecules that consist of proteins combined with cholesterol and particular fats called triglycerides. These lipoproteins, referred to as beta-lipoproteins, include low-density lipoproteins, very-low-density lipoproteins, and chylomicrons. Babies born with abetalipoproteinemia have stomach problems because the body can’t digest fats properly. They have abnormal stools which are pale colored and foul-smelling. The signs and symptoms of abetalipoproteinemia seem in the best few months of living. Many of the signs and symptoms of abetalipoproteinemia outcome from a serious vitamin inadequacy, particularly vitamin E inadequacy, which typically results in heart problems with degeneration of the spinocerebellar and dorsal columns tracts. Decreased lipid levels in the bloodstream, and therefore elsewhere in the system, are partially accountable for the neuromuscular and ocular problems encountered in ABL. Most frequently, the parents of a person with an autosomal recessive circumstance each transport one transcript of the mutated gene, but do not indicate signs and symptoms of the circumstance. Signs and symptoms can include bankruptcy to increase weight and rise at the expected pace, diarrhoea, irregular star-shaped crimson blood cells, and fatty, stinking stools. Severe anemia sometimes occurs in Abetalipoproteinemia, and may be partly due to deficiencies of iron and folic acid from poor absorption of nutrients. Other features of this disorder may develop later in childhood and often impair the function of the nervous system. They can include poor muscle coordination, difficulty with balance and movement, and progressive degeneration of the light-sensitive layer (retina) at the back of the eye that can progress to near-blindness. Many of the signs and symptoms of abetalipoproteinemia result from a severe vitamin deficiency, especially vitamin E deficiency, which can lead to the nerve problems associated with this disorder. The diagnosis of ABL is suspected from the intestinal, neuromuscular, and ocular symptoms, and is confirmed by laboratory tests showing acanthocytes in the blood and absence of betalipoproteins and chylomicrons in the blood. Abetalipoproteinemia in pregnancy is uncommon. Untreated disease conveys multi-system organ dysfunction and has ramifications in labour and saving. Clinicians must elicit a comprehensive medical history to properly manage complications in the puerperium. Treatment normally consists of rigorous dieting, involving mass amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin E helps the body restore and produce lipoproteins, which people with abetalipoprotenimia usually lack. Vitamin E also helps keep skin and eyes healthy, which studies show that many males whom are affected will have vision problems later on in life. Dyspraxia and muscle weakness is usually combated with psysiotherapy, or occupational therapy. A nutritionist works with the child and family affected by abetalipoproteinemia to design meal plans that meet these special dietary needs.

Having Bad Cholesterol

All vertebrates need cholesterol to sustain health of the outer membrane cells. It circulates in the blood to settle in body tissues and blood plasma in forms of fatty lipids (steroids) and alcohol. Cholesterol is maintained to balanced levels that must not exceed what our body needs. Today, when every ready food could just be fished out from fast foods and other busy traffic-highway-eateries, all you need is to be concerned about eliminating idle (unwanted) additional intake of this substance that affects a great general health disadvantage impact in today’s generation. Let us educate first on how Cholesterol functions and affects body metabolic interference before we ever discuss eliminating its excesses. When a doctor mentions of cholesterol, he is definitely addressing such to the low-density lipoproteins (LDL), considered the “bad cholesterol.” The way lipoproteins act as the carrier molecules, it deposit the LDL to the walls of the arteries that cause it to thicken and become devoid of normal blood passage causing arthrosclerosis. High-density lipoprotein is “good cholesterol.” One of the various uses of good cholesterol act as anti-oxidant, and help manufacture bile, that aids to digest fats essential to the functions of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. All these mentioned vitamins help in the metabolism functions in the reproductive organs, from puberty developmental process until the ripe age, that has to do with the effects of estrogen level in the body. Main Sources of Good Cholesterol: 1. Three-fourth (75%) of it comes from within the body, or produced internally thru results from synthesizing from densely packed membranes like liver, central nervous system (spinal chord, includes brain), reproductive organs, adrenal gland, and atheroma. The degenerative changes in the atheroma result to development of atherosclerotic plaques and coronary artery disease that affect the natural flow of the blood. When this happens it causes sudden block of the in and out flow of blood from the heart; most of the time causing heart strokes, possibly fatal. 2. One fourth (25%) comes from our food intake (external source), and this is where you must be alerted on what to take in your daily diet. Fats originated from animals are rich in cholesterol, like egg yolk, dairy, and meat, regardless of whatever type in meat source. Observe keenly about tolerating excess of this second cholesterol essential for as you see, it takes only a last portion of that last quart necessary. A mistake in this will surely make up for “cholesterol imbalance.” Ways to Lower Idle Cholesterol (excess of the 25% Food Originated Cholesterol): *Select intake of fats from non-saturated cooking oil or direct fat sources from animals. One of the best cooking oil that produce unsaturated fat is olive oil. Other palm oils like coconut are highly saturated. Take low-content-sodium cholesterol fats; instead, eat high fiber vegetables and fruits, and complex carbohydrates. Examples of this are corn, soybeans and legumes, nuts, wheat, and other staple cereals. *Refrain from eating at Fast foods and other restaurants, they present high fat saturated foods and rich in sodium. Also remember, that alcohol and sugar enhance the degree of cholesterol level, so avoid excessive hard drink sprays. *Recent researches reveal that the presence of the Omega-3 fat acid present in Salmon, mackerel, certain tuna specie, and other deep sea hunts aids in lowering idle cholesterol. If Idle Cholesterol is raised to high levels, seek medications as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, Statins, such as lovastatin (Mevacor), and atorvastatin (Liptor), most effective to lower LD, of course with physician’s guidance.

LIPOPROTEINS

Once lipids are disassembled in the intestinal lumen and mucosal cell (enterocyte) they are reassembled in the mucosal cell as chylomicrons (CM’s) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL’s). These vehicles contain primarily nonpolar cholesterol esters and triglycerides in the core and polar cholesterol, protein, and phospholipids in their membranes. (Fig. 20)

[ Lipoproteins Image ]

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They are transported via the lymph and blood circulation to the liver, fat depots, and muscles. There the endothelial enzyme lipoprotein lipase removes the lipid contents.

Lipid carrying vehicles are also made by the liver primarily as very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and these function to move lipids made by the body itself into tissues. On the other hand, high density lipoproteins (HDL), which are made in the intestines and liver, function primarily to reverse this process and transport lipids from tissue to liver hepatocytes.1 HDL’s are of two types: HDL3 and HDL2. HDL3 is an empty package composed of a bilayer lipid membrane plus proteins. Lysolecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and apoprotein A associated with HDL3 remove free cholesterol from the blood, esterify it and fill the HDL3 package.

The LCAT enzyme uses the fatty acid in the number two position of lecithin to esterify to cholesterol. If this fatty acid is saturated, the process is inhibited: if it is unsaturated, the process is enhanced. Thus, cholesterol blood clearing by HDL3 is linked to dietary intake of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. High saturated triglycerides are often clinically associated with high blood cholesterol levels.

As HDL3 swells with cholesterol ester, it becomes HDL2, which in the liver releases its cholesterol through the action of hepatic lipase. Released cholesterol is conjugated with the amino acids glycine (predominantly in most species) and taurine (predominantly in cats) to form bile salts which are then excreted in the bile into the small intestine.2,3 Some cholesterol is then reabsorbed via the enterohepatic circulation and some passes with the feces. The less reabsorbed, the lower the blood levels of cholesterol. A variety of complex factors influences the reuptake of bile cholesterol. For example, some of the beneficial effects of fiber and certain bowel microorganisms can be related to decreasing cholesterol uptake.4,5

Characterization of lipid transport vehicles is based on physical density, size and ratios of constituents. Chylomicrons are the largest particles, the very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is the next largest, the intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) is the next largest, the low density lipoprotein (IDL) is the next largest, and then high density lipoproteins (HDL) are the smallest. In terms of their constituents, as the particle becomes smaller as it is hydrolyzed by lipoprotein lipase on capillary endothelial cells, its protein and cholesterol content becomes greater, triglyceride content becomes smaller and its density increases.6 Thus chylomicrons are laden with lipid but lean of protein, whereas high density lipoproteins contain smaller amounts of lipid and larger measures of protein. (Fig. 21)

[ Lipid Transport Vehicles Image ]

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Diagnostically the measure of these lipid carriers in the blood is important as indicators of risk particularly to cardiovascular disease. If there are high levels of LDL’s, this would be unfavorable whereas high levels of HDL’s would be favorable. High levels of LDL’s mean that there is a large amount of circulating cholesterol which may have atherogenic potential. On the other hand, a high level of HDL’s would mean that lipid stores are being mobilized from tissue and metabolized in the liver to be excreted in the bile.7

APOPROTEINS

The proteins associated with lipid carriers help solubilize the lipids, and identify them for enzymatic action. There are a host of these apoproteins. Some of those believed to be most important diagnostically are B, found on LDL’s and VLDL’s, E, found on IDL’s, and A. found on HDL’s. Apoprotein B on LDL’s and VLDL’s tags lipids for uptake by liver cells or scavenger cells in blood vessel walls. Apoprotein A tags HDL’s for liver uptake. Another apoprotein, C-2, serves as a cofactor for lipoprotein lipase which hydrolyzes the contents of low density lipid carriers on the endothelial wall. (Fig 22)

[ Lipoprotein Metabolism Image ]

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This is a very brief overview of some increasingly complex biochemistry coming to light.8-l0 Diagnostically, identifying apoproteins may be most revealing since they are more specific than simply measuring cholesterol or lipoproteins. High apoprotein A, for example, indicates high levels of HDL’s whereas high levels of B indicate high levels of LDL’s.

Lipoprotein (a) (different than A) may be one of the best independent markers for both cardiovascular risk and severity of existing disease. It is comprised of LDL and apoproteins B-100 and (a). Lp(a) is genetically controlled and due to the homology between apo (a) and plasminogen, a blood clot lysing factor, it interferes with clot lysis and adheres LDL to the endothelial surface where it can initiate atherosclerosis. Lp(a) levels greater than 50 mg/ell, plus high LDL levels can increase cardiovascular disease risk six fold. 11-14

TARGET BLOOD LEVELS

Blood cholesterol is increasingly used as a screening tool for cardiovascular risk. One third of all adults in the U.S. now know their blood cholesterol level. How much is the right amount? Looking at just LDL cholesterol, it is argued that since newborns have levels of approximately 30 mg/dl and that 25 mg/dl is sufficient to nourish the body’s tissue with cholesterol, and that species which do not experience cholesterol-related cardiovascular disease consistently have LDL cholesterol levels of less than 80 mg/dl, a recommended level of 25-80 mg/dl is considered to be in the healthy range. This is 1/5 the level normally seen in Western societies.15 Other tests measuring HDL, total cholesterol, triglycerides, apoproteins and cholesterol/HDL and Apo A/Apo B ratios are also used to determine cardiovascular risk.

[ Blood Lipid Levels Image ]

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By measuring various lipid factors it is possible to compile a composite lipid risk score.16 Diagnostic values, however, are subject to error both in testing and interpretation. We are far from being able to accurately quantitate health. A false “positive” risk could create anxiety and disease (convert a normal person to a patient) where none was present, and a false “negative” risk could lead to complacency and exacerbation of existing disease. Therefore, laboratory results and “normal” values should always be viewed with suspicion and used only as leads for further diagnostic evaluation.17-20

CHOLESTEROL

The level of various lipids in the blood, including cholesterol, is dependent upon cholesterol ingested and the amount of cholesterol being synthesized within the body. Cholesterol is an extremely important compound that makes up part of cellular membranes, is a substrate for the synthesis of a variety of hormones and vitamin D, and also is a component of bile acids which permit the digestion of lipids.

If cholesterol is a normal and healthy physiological compound, why such an uncomplimentary reputation? Government, through the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) seeks to decrease the nation’s blood cholesterol levels. This is the largest medical intervention in the history of the U.S.A. It has not been done without cause. Heart disease takes the life of one of every two in this country. Cholesterol is an integral part of the atherosclerotic plaque and major studies such as the federally supported Framingham (Mass.) Heart Study following thousands of subjects since 1948 show significant correlations between cholesterol and heart disease.

Simply lowering blood cholesterol is not a panacea, however. If the diet were totally depleted of cholesterol, the body would be forced to produce that which is necessary to sustain life. If blood cholesterol is unusually low (less than 160 mg/dl) the risk of stroke increases three fold and the risk of cancer increases two fold.21, 22 Thus dietary cholesterol, although perhaps a contributing factor to disease, is not likely a “poison” in its natural food form. The body has elaborate biochemical systems designed to synthesize approximately 80% of the cholesterol found within normal tissue. The body evidently thinks cholesterol is important. Cholesterol synthesis uses foods such as sugar, alcohol and starch to form the precursor acetate. A host of enzymes specifically designed to assure cholesterol availability then builds the complex molecule from acetate.

Cholesterol has been a part of the diet since the beginning of life yet cholesterol-linked disease is recent, reportedly being of significant consequence only since about the 1930’s. The Masai in Tanzania consume up to 2,000 mg of cholesterol per day yet their serum levels remain low, 115-145 mg/dl.23 A study of South African egg farm workers who consume large numbers of eggs resulting in a cholesterol intake of 1,200 mg per day have serum cholesterol levels of 180 mg/dl.

So why would cholesterol cause cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in many developed nations, when:

1. Cholesterol has been a part of the natural diet of humans and animals for millennia:

2. Cardiovascular disease is not significant in many so societies consuming high levels of cholesterol:

3. As cardiovascular disease increased, cholesterol and saturated fat levels have remained relatively constant: (Fig. 24) and,

4. As deaths from heart attacks decreased by 42% from 1963 to 1986, average cholesterol levels decreased only 3%.24

Some argue that the apparent paradox of increased cardiovascular disease is a result of increased life span creating an older population naturally more given to degenerative diseases. But contrary to popular belief, life span (the length of life one can expect to live, life potential) has not increased significantly since actuarial data has been reliably tabulated. Life expectancy (the average length of life of a population), on the other hand, has increased (47 years in 1900, 73 years today) due to decreased infant mortality resulting from better public hygiene and food distribution. Thus although at birth our chance of survival to a natural old-age death is increased, our age at the time of a natural death has not increased over that of our distant ancestors.25 Increased cardiovascular disease rates are therefore not simply a function of the increasing average age of our population.

The evidence is, however, quite convincing that cardiovascular disease is linked to diet in some way. Additionally, atherosclerotic plaques in vessel walls (particularly carotid and coronary) do indeed contain cholesterol although it may be difficult to prove that cholesterol’s presence is a cause rather than a result of atherosclerosis. The issue is not closed. There is evidence that cardiovascular disease is ancient and that genetics and the stresses of modern living. particularly. may be more important than diet.26

It is likely that atherosclerosis is a consequence of the influence of a variety of modern factors. These include but are not limited to sedentary living, stress, environmental pollution and diet. Looking only at diet, correlations between cardiovascular disease and increased consumption of proinflammatory omega-6 oils, processed (hydrogenated, oxidized) polyunsaturated fatty acids found in manufactured margarines and a wide range of other commercial processed products and oxidized cholesterol are far more logically convincing as etiologic factors than natural cholesterol or saturated fats.

[ The Cause Of Cardiovascular Disease Image ]

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The early 1900’s, marking a seemingly rapid rise in cardiovascular disease, also marked the rise in the consumption of the fabricated, fractionated processed diet.27-30 (Fig. 23) Cholesterol as a part of raw, whole, natural foods (natural here would also mean food animals in the wild, not factory farmed) has not been demonstrated to be linked to any disease conditions. The putative relationship between cholesterol and disease confuses definitions. The cholesterol referred to and shown through metanalysis, retrospective studies and prospective controlled clinical trials to be positively associated with atherosclerosis is not “natural” cholesterol. For example, in animal studies which induce atherosclerosis, an oxidized (”activated”) cholesterol is used.31,32 Additionally, human studies measure the effects of processed fats and oils as they occur in processed foods, not lipids as they occur in raw, natural, whole, fresh foods. Cholesterol in a homogenized, pasteurized butter, scrambled egg, fastfood burger or a grilled steak is a whole different creature than the cholesterol found in the living tissue of a wild antelope. (Fig.24)

Not only is the form of the cholesterol different (there are over 60 different cholesterol oxide species alone) but its context is totally different. The value of food is not only determined by its individual components, but by the company kept, the kind and relative amounts of neighbors — its synergonic nature. Processed foods are made from fractionated ingredients which are modified and then reassembled to create taste, shelf life and profit. Afresh, raw, natural food is entirely different, it is a complex milieu of interrelationships. It is a whole more than an assemblage of parts. A real food is no more X% protein, fat, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates than a novel is X% ink, cellulose and glue.

Although experiments have yet to be devised to measure the effects of natural cholesterol by means of an all raw diet, the results are predictable. The grandest experiment of all, that of the development and sustenance of life on the planet prior to the roller mill, extruder, solvent extractor and hydrogenator, has already given the answer. Life owes its very existence to the presence of whole raw natural food. Such food is not the cause of disease, it is the cause of life.

[ Cholesterol Forms Image ]

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Natural food was the only food available until the technological era. The new food, the new cholesterol, hydrogenated and oxidized fatty acids and their new artificial combinations, were born out of technology. Also, it is argued, born at that time was the plaque of atherosclerosis. Thus the relationship of “cholesterol” and “saturated fats” to atherosclerosis is an indictment of food processing and not true food cholesterol as a part of whole, raw, natural foods.

REGULATING BLOOD LIPIDS

The level of cholesterol in the blood is regulated by a wide array of feedback mechanisms. If there is an excessive amount of LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream, receptors in the liver responsible for taking up these transport units will become saturated. When high blood levels of LDL are reached, the liver cells decrease the number of LDL receptors thus decreasing the liver’s ability to clear the blood of cholesterol. Thus when the liver is saturated with cholesterol and it needs no more, it simply shuts down the production of LDL receptors. At the same time, cholesterol excretion of bile acids would be increased to capacity. If the diet is low in fiber, or digestive tract microflora are out of balance, much of this cholesterol would be reabsorbed thus contributing to escalating blood levels of cholesterol. The cycle perpetuates itself continuing to build higher and higher blood levels of cholesterol. A familial hyperlipidemic condition whereby receptors for taking up LDL are defective can also contribute to exaggerated blood levels of cholesterol in some individuals.33 (Fig. 25)

High blood cholesterol and saturated fat levels and unfavorable lipoprotein ratios are a reality for many individuals and may place them at risk of life threatening disease. Improvements in lifestyle can decrease the absorption of cholesterol, increase its excretion, and change the ratio of LDL’s to HDL’s resulting in blood levels which are more conducive to

[ Cholesterol Metabolism Image ]

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the healthy state. Such improvements include: (1) increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, and: (2) consuming a variety of high fiber foods containing various sterols which compete for uptake of cholesterol in the intestinal tract combined with: (3) a lower consumption level of processed cholesterol combined with: (4) increased exercise: (5) and perhaps increased consumption of omega-3 and omega-9 fatty acid containing foods. Omega-3’s are extremely effective in mixed hyperlipidemias, and omega-9’s are reported to have the ability to decrease LDL’s while increasing HDL’s.34-37 Decreasing saturated fat consumption also may help since saturated triglycerides are hydrophobic and encourage the formation of the higher fat and cholesterol carrying LDL’s and VLDL’s and retard cholesterol uptake by HDL’s.

Additionally, certain drugs (Probucol, Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Clofibrate, Gemfibrozil, Lovastatin and others) have been devised to decrease the hepatic synthesis of cholesterol and decrease the amount of cholesterol that is intestinally absorbed or reabsorbed from bile into the enterohepatic circulation which may be required if more natural modifications are not effective. (These are not without significant dangers, however.) 38-42

Diet modification and lifestyle changes are sensible tools to improve health and will offer the greatest chance of optimizing health and preventing disease. Careless hedonistic living based on the presumption that early diagnosis and heroic invasive procedures, such as transplants, angioplasty, bypasses, or drugs will provide forgiveness is a poor second to thoughtful preventive practices.

References available within book text, click the following link to view this article on wysong.net:

http://www.wysong.net/articles/lipid/07_article_lipid_chapter_seven_lipid_transport.shtml

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