Cholesterol has a bad reputation, but your body needs some cholesterol to give structure to cells and produce certain hormones. Some cholesterol is "bad" and leads to chronic diseases, while other cholesterol is "good" and helps dispose of the "bad" cholesterol. Your body produces the cholesterol it needs in the liver; you can also get additional cholesterol from the foods you eat.
Cholesterol Levels
When your doctor takes your blood to evaluate your cholesterol levels, there are certain numbers he is checking for. Cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter and your total cholesterol should be below 200 mg/dL. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, is the "bad" cholesterol that causes problems. Your LDL needs to be below 100 mg/dL, or below 70 mg/dL if you have a high risk of heart disease, reports MayoClinic.com. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol, is the "good" cholesterol that runs through your bloodstream and has many benefits. Your HDL should be above 60 mg/dL for optimal health.
LDL Cholesterol
High LDL cholesterol can lead to chronic conditions that can cause heart disease. Your body uses LDL to carry cholesterol from the liver to other places in your body. When cells need cholesterol, they latch onto the LDL particles and extract what they need, says the Harvard School of Public Health. Once they take what they need, the excess LDL circulates through your bloodstream and forms deposits on the walls of your arteries. This can lead to clogged arteries or hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol works hard to rid your body of the excess LDL cholesterol that travels through your bloodstream. This type of cholesterol acts as a scavenger and picks up the "bad" cholesterol and transports it to the liver, where it is broken down and disposed. Having high HDL cholesterol can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, reports the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Cholesterol and Foods
Some foods naturally contain cholesterol. One whole egg contains 212 mg of cholesterol and seafood, such as shrimp and lobster, also have high amounts. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, consuming the cholesterol from one egg per day does not increase your risk for heart disease, but this is only true for healthy adults. If you already have high cholesterol, eating cholesterol-rich foods may have a negative impact on your cholesterol levels. Reduce your risk for heart disease by consuming less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day. Trans-fatty acids, found in hydrogenated oil from fried foods, raise your "bad" LDL cholesterol while lowering your "good" HDL cholesterol. Your risk for heart disease can increase from consuming foods high in trans-fats.
Treating High Cholesterol
Following a balanced diet and increasing your physical activity are the best ways to normalize your blood cholesterol levels, reports the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Eat a variety of high-fiber foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole-grains, that can help lower your cholesterol. Ensure that no more than 35 percent of your calories come from fat. If you have, or are at risk for heart disease, limit your consumption of foods high in cholesterol.
