The word "lipid" describes a class of waxy, oily, fat-like substances found in the blood. Cholesterol is a type of lipid. Because blood has a watery consistency, cholesterol does not mix well with it. Lipids are coated in a protein to make them water-soluble and travel through the bloodstream easily; these structures are called lipoproteins. Excess cholesterol is detected by measuring lipoproteins in the blood.
Sources
Cholesterol is produced in the livers of humans and animals. If you consume animal products, including liver, it's important to know their cholesterol content. A serving of 6 oz. of chicken liver delivers over 1,000 mg; calf liver, 900 mg; and beef liver, 800 mg. One medium egg yolk contains over 200 mg of cholesterol; 6 oz. of shrimp, 300 mg; followed by 6 oz. of oysters, with 200 mg. Animal cuts contain cholesterol, too, with chicken, beef, lamb and pork being the highest at around 200 mg each in a 6 oz. portion. Fish contain lower levels of cholesterol, with 6 oz. of tuna containing less than 50 mg.
Excess Cholesterol
According to the Cleveland Clinic, on an 1,800 calorie a day diet, your should consume less than 200 mg of cholesterol a day, in the form of healthy saturated fats like coconut oil and avocado. When you have more cholesterol than your body needs, complications can occur. Excess cholesterol can form plaque that clogs blood vessels, reducing blood flow. Over time, this can lead to heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a condition where excess cholesterol in the bloodstream thickens and hardens and can lead to heart attack or stroke.
HDL and LDL
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is a type of cholesterol that scavenges excess protein, sweeping through your blood vessels, mopping it up. HDL transports excess cholesterol to the liver for breakdown and safe removal, preventing excess cholesterol from harming your body. For this reason, HDL has earned the "good" cholesterol label. Low-density lipoprotein does the opposite. LDL transports excess cholesterol through the bloodstream, to all organs of your body. Desirable HDL levels are 60 mg or above, while desirable LDL levels are below 70 mg, the Mayo Clinic indicates.
Balancing Cholesterol
According to the Mayo Clinic, 30 minutes of exercise a day is beneficial to balancing cholesterol levels. In addition to daily physical activity, your dietary choices have an impact on your overall cholesterol levels. According to the University of California Medical Center, to prevent high cholesterol, choose healthy meats like chicken breasts, turkey and veal. Remove the skin to avoid extra fat. Eat low-fat fish like trout and tilapia and choose plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Avoid high-fat processed foods.
