Cholesterol By Emilie Greenwood Homework- 27 th September

What is cholesterol and what problems are related to cholesterol. Cholesterol forms part of the outer membrane that surrounds every cell. It insulates nerve fibre and makes nerve signals travel properly. They also make hormones which carries a chemical signal around your body. Your body would not function without cholesterol it is vital. On the other hand too much cholesterol in the blood can cause coronary heart disease and disease of the arteries.

The three types of cholesterol Little cholesterol is actually found in food; whatever type of fat you eat (especially saturated fats) once it is digested, your liver turns it into cholesterol. Lipoproteins levels are special molecules that transport cholesterol around the body. There are three main types of lipoproteins: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), most commonly know as bad cholesterol - this carries cholesterol from the liver to the cells and, if there is more supply then demand, this can cause harmful build- up of cholesterol in arteries and blood vessels. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is know as good cholesterol - this takes cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it is broken down or excreted. Triglycerides are the main constituents of natural fats and oils, and high concentrations in the blood shows an elevated risk of stroke.

People that are the most at risk and treatment People that are the most at high risk of high cholesterol are This overall risk is determined by many factors, including age, gender, family history of heart disease, and whether someone smokes, is overweight, has high blood pressure or diabetes. The first ways of treating high cholesterol would be regular exercising and healthy eating. Cutting down fats, mainly Trans fats, and replace saturated fats for unsaturated fats. There are also some foods such as garlic, soy, oats, corn, etc. Foods that contain cholesterol are called dietary cholesterol and are foods such as kidney, eggs, prawns, and other foods high in saturated fats i.e. sausage, meat, butter, cream, etc.