Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a substance made by the liver and found in the blood. It is needed to build and maintain cell membranes. The amount of cholesterol produced by the liver depends on diet and inherited factors.

High levels of cholesterol in the blood are very bad for you. they increase the risk of diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

There are two types of lipoproteins which carry cholesterol around the blood.

Low-density lipoproteins
(LDL's) are bad cholesterol and can cause heart disease. They can stick to the walls of arteries and block them.

High-density lipoproteins
(HDL's)are good cholesterol. They carry cholesterol back to the liver to be excreted.

The balance between HDL's and LDL's is very important for a healthy heart.

Saturated fats e.g. animal fats.		these increase blood cholesterol levels so are bad for you.
Mono-unsaturated and poly-unsaturated fats Vegetable oils and oily fish		these may reduce blood cholesterol levels and improve the balance between HDL's and LDL's