5. 5
Cholesterol is both good and bad. At normal levels, it is an essential substance for the body.
However, if concentrations in the blood get too high, it becomes a silent danger that puts people at
risk of heart attack.
Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can
increase your risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol is present in every cell of the body and has important natural functions when it
comes to digesting foods, producing hormones, and generating vitamin D. The body produces it,
but people also consume it in food. It is waxy and fat-like in appearance.
6. 6
There are two types of cholesterol:
Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), or “bad”
cholesterol
High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL), or “good”
cholesterol
High cholesterol can be inherited, but it's often the
result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which therefore
make it preventable and treatable.
A healthy diet, regular exercise and sometimes
medication can help reduce high cholesterol.
