Cholesterol
Source A.D.A.M., Inc.
March 10, 2005
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance in all parts of the body including the nervous system, skin, muscle, liver, intestines, and heart. It is made by the body and obtained from animal products in the diet.
Cholesterol is manufactured in the live for normal body functions including the production of hormones, bile acid, and vitamin D. it is transported in the blood to be used by all parts of the body.
Dietary cholesterol is present only in foods of animal origin such as eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish.
Excessive cholesterol contributes to atherosclerosis, a condition when fatty material is deposited along the walls of arteries and then thickens and hardens which may block the arteries. This condition leads to heart disease. The risk for developing heart disease and atherosclerosis increases as the level of blood cholesterol increases.
Did you know….Approximately 25% of the adult population in the US has elevated blood cholesterol levels.
To lower high cholesterol levels:
Eat less than 30% of your total daily calories from fat.
Of that 30%, less than 1/3 should be from saturated fat and not more than 1/3 should be from polyunsaturated fat.
At least 1/3 of the total fat calories should be from monounsaturated fat.
Less than 300 mg of dietary cholesterol per day should be consumed.
Listed below are links to information about cholesterol.
This information should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment:
Mayo Clinic Cholesterol Center
