Cholesterol Facts and Tips

A little cholesterol helps build healthy cell membranes and produce hormones. Too much and you're on a fast track to a heart attack and stroke. Here are facts and tips for reducing it:

The source: Most of the cholesterol in our body is produced by the liver. The level in your blood is affected by what you eat.

Good Cholesterol: High density lipoproteins (HDL) remove cholesterol from artery walls. A higher level of HDL protects you against heart disease.

Bad Cholesterol: Low density lipoproteins (LDL) stick to the artery walls. Reduce your level of LDL to reduce the risk of heart problems.

Minimize intake of saturated fat, found in:

• Cream, butter, cheeses, ice cream, milk
• Vegetable fats such as palm oil or vegetable shortenings, some margarines
• Fast food, fried or roasted foods that have had fat or oils added
• Meat pies, pastry, croissants
• Sausage, luncheon sausage, salami
• Cakes, biscuits, puddings
• Chocolate and snack bars high in fat
• Roasted, salted nuts, crisps, crackers
• Alcohol - reduce to two evenings per week
• Eggs - no more than three per week

Also:

1. Quit smoking.
2. Exercise.
3. Take medication as prescribed by your doctor.