Cholesterol Questions and Answers

What is cholesterol? How does it affect the body?

Research shows that protective (HDL) high density lipoprotein levels can be increased with exercise, weight reduction and by not smoking.

Cholesterol is a substance produced in the liver which is needed to form cell membranes, nerve coatings and certain hormones. Our bodies usually produce enough cholesterol to take care of these needs, but we also get cholesterol from certain foods. For many people, increased cholesterol intake means higher levels of blood cholesterol.

When cholesterol circulates in the blood, it is bound to protein. One type of protein-bound cholesterol is called high density lipoprotein (HDL). High density lipoprotein, or HDL, appears to protect against heart disease. Another type, low density lipoprotein (LDL), seems to be associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Heredity plays a role in whether or not a person has more high density or low density lipoprotein. Levels of low density lipoprotein, that associated with increased risk, seem to be influenced by the amount of fat and cholesterol in the diet, but high density lipoprotein levels do not. Research shows that protective high density lipoprotein levels can be increased with exercise, weight reduction and by not smoking.

What foods contain cholesterol?

Cholesterol is found in cell membranes of animal foods. Egg yolks and organ meats contain the most cholesterol. Meat and milk also contain some cholesterol. Cholesterol cannot be trimmed from meat like fat can, because it is distributed throughout. Low-fat milk products provide lower amounts of cholesterol than whole milk or cream.

Should you cut down on fat and cholesterol?

In countries where people have high cholesterol and high saturated fat intakes, blood cholesterol levels are higher and there are more cases of coronary heart disease.

Every body is different.

There are individual differences, however. Some people can eat large amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat and still have normal blood cholesterol levels. Others may have high blood cholesterol levels even though their diets are low in fat and cholesterol. Other risk factors such as high blood pressure, obesity, smoking and lack of exercise are associated with heart disease in addition to blood cholesterol levels.

Many nutrition experts believe that for our relatively sedentary life-style, it's smart to reduce dietary fat and cholesterol. This can be done by selecting lean cuts of meat, trimming fat, using low-fat dairy products and using moderate amounts of fats and oils.

For more information on cholesterol, contact your local county Extension office.