Cholesterol is found naturally in the blood stream and body cells. Cholesterol, a soft waxy lipid (fat) that cannot be dissolved in the blood, is important for cell membrane production and some hormone production. It comes from two sources:
1) We take in fats when we eat animal products such as meat, fish, poultry, eggs, butter, whole milk and cheese.
2) Our own bodies produce it. Some foods, although they do not contain animal fats may contain trans-fats that cause the body to produce cholesterol.
There are 2 main types of cholesterol:
LDL (low density lipoprotein), considered to be 'bad' cholesterol. This is the type that can block arteries. Cholesterol builds up inside the blood vessel walls in the form of plaques (known as arteriosclerosis). The plaques can restrict blood flow to the heart and if they burst the contents spill out, clots can form and travel around the body in the blood stream. The clots can block the small blood vessels in the heart leading to a heart attack. If they block vessels in the brain they cause a stroke.
HDL (high density lipoprotein), considered to be 'good' cholesterol. Research suggests that this type protects the body and reduces the chances of a heart attack.
