Cholesterol Students should be able to explain how cholesterol is carried around the body by two different types of lipoprotein and the balance of these is important to good heart health

Unhealthy diets?

Cholesterol levels depend on diet and genes, but high levels of LDL have been linked to eating lots of saturated fats and few mono/polyunsaturated fats. What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a lipid found in cell membranes and is used in the production of hormones and bile. high-density lipoprotein (HDL): often called ‘good cholesterol’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL): often called ‘bad cholesterol’. Cholesterol is transported in the blood by molecules called lipoproteins, of which there are two types:

Cholesterol is a lipid found in cell membranes and is used in the production of hormones and bile. It is carried around the body by BAD LDL (low density lipoprotein) and GOOD HDL (high density lipoprotein). The balance is important for good heart health.

Excess LDL is deposited on the walls of blood vessels, which can lead to clots in the arteries. This can starve the heart of oxygen and cause heart disease. HDL returns cholesterol to the liver where it is metabolized. Cholesterol and heart disease The risk of heart disease may be reduced by: Why is LDL called ‘bad cholesterol’? Why is HDL called ‘good cholesterol’? lowering blood cholesterol eating more HDL than LDL gentle daily exercise.

Cholesterol levels depend on diet and genes. High levels of LDL have been linked to eating lots of saturated fats and few mono/polyunsaturated fats. So saturated fats raise blood cholesterol levels eg. Butter, cheese, meat. Mono unsaturated fats may reduce blood cholesterol and improve balance between LDL and HDL. Eg olive oil, peanuts Poly unsaturated oils may be best at lowering blood cholesterol and balancing LDL and HDL. Eg. Corn oil, sunflower oil, oily fish