According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 106.7 million Americans have total cholesterol levels that are greater than the recommended levels of 200 mg/dL or higher. Of those, 37.2 million have dangerously high total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dL or higher. If your cholesterol numbers fall into these categories, you may want to consider going on a low cholesterol diet. Lowering your cholesterol now can lower your risks of developing serious cardiovascular issues in the future.
Function
Cholesterol has both good and bad qualities as it functions in the body. Cholesterol is a necessary factor in the body for both keeping cells healthy, as well as for the production of important substances such as hormones. When cholesterol gets too high, it can cause serious blockages in the blood vessels, restricting blood flow, along with the nutrients and oxygen that depend on healthy blood flow to feed the tissues of the body. Cholesterol is naturally made in the body, but can also be consumed through the food you eat.
Types
Cholesterol in your diet can be broken down into two types: HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, also known as low-density lipoproteins, is considered the "bad" form of cholesterol. HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoproteins, is considered the "good" form of cholesterol.
LDL Cholesterol
When looking at cholesterol levels in your diet, it's important to remove as much LDL cholesterol as possible. LDL cholesterol is found in any animal protein, but is especially high in red meat and full-fat dairy products (such as butter). When too much cholesterol enters your blood from your diet, cholesterol can calcify, creating a hard substance called plaque. Plaque build up on your artery walls, and over time can cause harmful blockages. According to the American Heart Association, When cutting bad cholesterol from your diet, you should aim for an LDL blood cholesterol level of 100 mg/dL or less.
HDL Cholesterol
Not all cholesterol is created equal. According to the Mayo Clinic, HDL "goood" cholesterol can help you lower your LDL cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol can be found in many foods including soy beans, avocados, olives, peanuts, fish, and canola oils. Once introduced into the bloodstream, HDL cholesterol helps remove LDL cholesterol from the walls of your blood vessels, and transports it back to the liver. The liver can then process it and send it out of the body through your waste. According to the American Heart Association, when looking at HDL cholesterol levels in your diet, women should aim for an HDL number above 50 mg/dL and men above 40mg/dL.
Warning
Not taking the dietary steps to get your cholesterol under control can put you at a higher risk for developing serious health issues. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, consuming too much LDL cholesterol can raise your risks of developing heart disease, as well as can increase your risks of having a stroke or heart attack.
