Although today the word ‘cholesterol’ is full of negative connotations associated with a poor diet and obesity cardiovasulares problems, in reality it is a necessary element for our body. The important thing is to know what it is, how it works and when it is injurious to health.
Our liver is capable of producing the cholesterol necessary for the body. However, through food, can receive an additional quantity of this substance which, in many instances, is detrimental to health, especially for the heart. The origin of the increase in blood is derived mainly from the increase of the unsaturated fats in the diet, from foods with fat.
Good cholesterol and bad cholesterol
To that cholesterol reaches the cells, before shipment is carried through the blood supply. To this end, two lipoproteins, LDL, low density, associated with ‘bad cholesterol’ and HDL, or high density, which is identified with the ‘good cholesterol’.
The problem of bad cholesterol or LDL is that, in excess, it accumulates in the arteries and impedes the movement of oxygen through the blood. And without oxygen, the heart and brain can not function properly. Hence, most heart attacks and strokes are linked to such circumstances.
The accumulation of these fats in the blood vessels called arteriosclerosis. Apart from the risks of stroke, other serious cardiovascular diseases linked to excess bad cholesterol such as thrombosis, angina or peripheral arterial disease. The derangement of thyroid can also cause cholesterol problems do not stem directly from poor diet.
For its part, the good cholesterol, or HDL, is not only necessary for the body, it is recommended to increase their numbers in blood when there is risk of arteriosclerosis, because it helps to synthesize the bad cholesterol that builds up walls arteries.
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