Cholesterol is a waxy substance which is made by your liver and can also be found in food. Your body uses cholesterol for a variety of purposes, including the manufacturing of bile salts, steroid hormones and cell membranes. On the other hand, if you get too much cholesterol from your diet you can cause harm to your cardiovascular system.
Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis
Cholesterol can affect the health of your cardiovascular system due to its role in atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is caused by cholesterol becoming deposited in the walls of the arteries in the form of atherosclerotic plaques. Arteries affected by atherosclerosis become narrowed and stiff, which can increase your blood pressure and put more strain on your heart and kidneys. If atherosclerosis affects the small arteries which provide blood to your heart and brain, it increases your risk of developing a stroke or heart attack. Thus, high amounts of cholesterol in your diet can increase your likelihood of developing a number of serious conditions.
Lipoproteins
Another thing to consider when thinking about cholesterol in the diet is that not all forms of cholesterol are bad. When cholesterol is in the blood, it is bound to special proteins and other lipids to form complexes known as lipoproteins. One type of lipoprotein, known as low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, can help prevent atherosclerosis. So if you have high LDL levels or low HDL levels, you may need to follow a low-cholesterol diet, according to the American Heart Association.
Benefits of a Low-Cholesterol Diet
The main benefit of a low-cholesterol diet is that it can help you improve your lipid levels. Your liver makes most of the cholesterol that your body actually needs, GICare.com explains. Thus, reducing the amount of cholesterol you get from your diet can help you lower your blood cholesterol levels. One of the main ways to do this is to avoid foods which are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. You should also avoid foods made with trans fats, such as stick forms of margarine, processed snacks and commercial baked goods, as these fats can increase your LDL levels and lower your HDL levels.
Considerations
In addition to reducing the amount of cholesterol you consume, you can improve your lipid levels by changing other aspects of your diet. Eating more soluble fiber, which can be found in fruits, vegetables and oat bran can make it harder for your intestines to absorb cholesterol, the Mayo Clinic explains. Some fats, including those found in walnuts, almonds and other nuts can also help lower your cholesterol levels. You can also improve your cardiovascular health by eating two servings of fatty fish each week, such as mackerel, salmon and sardines. These fish contain omega-3 fatty acids which can help improve your lipid levels.
