LDL Bad Cholesterol, All The Facts
What is LDL exactly? LDL also commonly referred to as low density lipoproteins or bad cholesterol is a combination of lipids and proteins responsible for transportation of cholesterol and triglycerides from the liver to peripheral tissue. The two main purposes of LDL are firstly, to move cholesterol in the blood and secondly, to regulate cholesterol conversion. It is these lacks of conversion that cause high cholesterol and heart diseases.
Lipoprotein groups- Lipoproteins can be categorized into very low-density lipoprotein, low density lipoproteins, intermediate-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins and chylomicrons.
LDL or bad cholesterol lowering foods- The foods we eat play a significant role in bad cholesterol development and build-up. It can however also play just as important part in combating and eliminate the silent killer known as fat cholesterol. These foods include walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, oatmeal, oat bran, fish and olive oil. All the mentioned foods still contain cholesterol, the difference is merely in the type of cholesterol.
Dietary considerations- It is absolutely essential to eliminate or greatly reduce saturated and trans fats in your diet to less than ten percent per day. These fat types raise cholesterol to unbelievable unhealthy levels. Steer clear from cookies, pies, pastries, fries, hamburgers and bacon. Trans fats make foods unhealthily tasty. Focus your diet and daily intake on heart-friendly foods such as vegetables and fruits, even a small amount of chocolate.
Please consult your physician- Its imperative to have your cholesterol checked on a regular basis to ensure early detection and treatment as well the diagnoses of any diseases caused by high levels of cholesterol. Blood tests are usually conducted to check cholesterol levels, so if you are squeamish or afraid of needles you better prepare yourself well in advance, a very small sacrifice for total peace of mind.