Most of the cholesterol in our blood is made by the liver.
A test measures three different forms of cholesterol.
1. Total Cholesterol
2. Low density Lipoprotein (LDL)
3. High density Lipoprotein (HDL)
"LDL" is the form of cholesterol that clogs your arteries, blocks your circulation, and puts you at risk for a heart attack or stroke. THE LOWER "LDL" THE BETTER!
"HDL" is a GOOD form or cholesterol. THE HIGHER "HDL" THE BETTER!
Go by the numbers...
A. A "total cholesterol" should be around 5.2mmol/L
B. "LDL" less than 3.4mmol/L
C. "HDL" higher than 0.9mmol/L
Fats are essential for good health. Fats are a concentrated form of energy (calories) which contribute to extra body weight.
They are also a source of Essential Fatty Acids (EFA).
"EFA" cannot be made by the body but are needed for growth and metabolism.
The most common "EFA" are polyunsaturated fats called Linoleic and Linolenic Acids. Fats are needed for the absorption of the fat - soluable vitamins A, D, E and K, plus Carotenoids.
Fat carries the flavour in food!!
~~~ "POLYUNSATURATED FATS" ~~~
A. Reduce the level of cholesterol in your blood.
B. Are liquid at room temperature
C. Are foudn in Corn, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesame, Safflower oils.
D. "Omega-3 Fats", found in slamon, sardines, tuna, flaxseed.
**Omega-3 fats protect you from heart disease and help with brain growth in infants.**
~~~ "MONOSATURATED FATS" ~~~
A. Are good replacement for saturated fats!
B. Help lower blood cholesterol.
C. Found in Canola, Olive, and Peanut Oils.
~~~ "SATURATED FATS" ~~~
A. Raise blood cholesterol levels!!
B. Are solid at room temperature
C. Are found in animal products: Lard, meat, poultry, butter, and cheese.
D. Hydrogenated vegetable oils are saturated fat!
~~~ "TRANS FATS" ~~~
A. Raise blood cholesterol levels!
B. Formed when poly or monounsaturated fats are change from liguid ot solid: "hydrogenation".
**Hydrogenated Fats are found in shortenings, baked goods, cookies, crackers, potatoe chips, frozen french fries, and some margerines**
~~~ "CHOLESTEROL" ~~~
A. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made by the body as well as obtained through diet.
B. Has many uses: insulating nerves, maintaining cell walls and producing vitamin D., digestive juices, and certain hormones!
