How To Grasp Cholesterol Readings Via A Diet To Lower Cholesterol

By Delynda Lardone | August 7, 2008

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by Delynda Lardone

Everyone should understand the significance of cholesterol whether you are a fitness freak or someone who never works out. Often times though, cholesterol is misunderstood by those who do not know very much about it and it is constantly underestimated by those who do not know they suffer from high cholesterol. Cholesterol is good because it is essential for our bodies to function but it can also be bad if improperly used. It is also extremely important when you are on a diet to lower cholesterol that you understand the difference between the good cholesterol and the bad cholesterol.

Our good cholesterol is identified as HDL cholesterol which is commonly known as high-density lipoprotein. Its main goal is to make our body parts function properly by taking the cholesterol that we have and flushing it from our system. This keeps our arteries clean and helps us avoid experiencing a heart attack in addition to a stroke.

Then we have the bad cholesterol, which is also know as LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). This cholesterol is bad, especially when we have large quantities in our bodies. Its main job is to slowly build up in our arteries which eventually clogs them up and can cause us to experience a heart attack and possibly a stroke.

This is the reason why it is exceedingly important that you get a hold of a cholesterol reading to make sure that your cholesterol levels rest within the target range. When you acquire your reading there are three things you need to look at: HDL cholesterol levels, LDL cholesterol levels, and total cholesterol levels.

When you go to the doctor to find your cholesterol readings, you need to know what the target range is for your cholesterol levels. Your HDL cholesterol analysis should be above the 45 and if it falls lower than 40 bad things can happen. Your LDL cholesterol analysis should be greater than 130 and if it gets above 160, you then should consider starting a diet to lower cholesterol. Results have shown that your total cholesterol should be under 200 and if it gets to 140, then you ought to discuss with your doctor.

To get your cholesterol tested, you should consult your doctor and he will be able to test your cholesterol levels. If you do wind up having a high cholesterol level, then you can change some things in your diet to lower cholesterol which will help in reducing cholesterol before your next visit. Make sure your diet has plenty of protein which you can find in dark meat and fish. Also include 6 servings of fruit and vegetables in your daily means and try to stay away from foods high in fat.

Knowing the difference involving the good and bad cholesterol will help you recognize what the medical doctor is saying when he gives you your cholesterol readings. The outcome will help you and your doctor decide if you should go on some prescription or if you should control your cholesterol through a diet to lower cholesterol.

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Topics: Nutrition |

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