How Can Cholesterol Be Good For Anyone?

While most experts tend to focus on the bad effects of too much fat, cholesterol is an important building block that the body needs. It contributes to the process of building cell membranes and improving their ability to function. It also helps with creation of several vitamins and hormones.

Cholesterol helps with the digestion of fats or lipids. Since it doesn't dissolve in the blood by itself, it has to be carried around by transporters called lipoproteins. When these lipoproteins are high-density (HDL), they move away from arteries and toward the liver where substances are processed so they can leave the body. HDL also may help dissolve plaques, or deposits of fats, attached to artery walls. This helps reduce arterial disease and protect the body from heart attacks. More and more studies are showing how HDL contributes to good health.

The body makes its own cholesterol. In many cases, the body makes as much as it needs. However, animal products like meat, cheese and milk can also contain this substance. The body can get rid of some of the excess but not extreme amounts. Trying to eat plant products like fruits and vegetables is best. Adding healthy animal products like lean meats, non-fat dairy products, and foods low in saturated fats is also fine. Experimenting with alternative sources of protein like beans is even better.

Habits can affect cholesterol too. It has been shown that a moderate amount of alcohol may help increase HDL. If a person already has one or two drinks per day, but not more, it could help maintain a healthy heart.
In addition, staying active can help increase HDL. Just walking, running or sprinting can also help reduce the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Sometimes, good habits are not enough. Family history can also affect blood levels of fats and the propensity toward forming plaques. In this case, doctors have drugs that can assist the body counteract the deleterious effects of foods. Soon, they may also have options to help build HDL.

In any case, working to keep a healthy heart and clear arteries is one of the best choices a person can make. Many of us have room to improve our choices and limit cholesterol. Our lives and health are worth it.