When we are young, it is common for us to ignore our health, deciding to worry about it when we are older. However, a lot of our health problems are the result of bad habits formed as youth. Monitoring cholesterol now can help to reduce the risk of stroke and heart problems at an older age. The following will explain why cholesterol levels are so important and how much it affects your overall health.

All body cells contain cholesterol, which is a fat, or a lipid. We get our cholesterol from two places: our diet and our genes. Although we can’t change our DNA, we can change the foods we eat. Foods with the highest cholesterol include dairy, red meat, and fish products. Also, many processed foods include cholesterol.

After the body takes in cholesterol, it goes into the bloodstream. Soon, it obtains a protein coating and becomes known as a “chylomicron”. From there, the liver absorbs it. A main function of the liver is taking in and releasing cholesterol after meals. Cholesterol is not a problem if there is an appropriate level in the body.

Since the body naturally produces cholesterol, we do not need a large amount from our diet. Eating skim dairy products and lean meat reduces the amount of carbohydrates being consumed. Also, avoid foods high in saturated fat, as they will greatly raise cholesterol levels. Unsaturated fats introduce much less cholesterol to the body. If you are concerned about cholesterol levels, avoid fast food, as it is one of the worst options from a health perspective.

We often hear about good and bad cholesterol, so what is the difference? Good cholesterol is called “LDL”, or low-density lipoproteins. Bad cholesterol, “HDL”, is called high-density lipoproteins. The low density proteins leave residue on artery walls, which eventually hardens into plaque. This decreases the flexibility on the arteries and decreases circulation. If blood flow is too bad, a stroke or heart attack could occur.

Having high levels of the HDL’s is much better than a high level of LDL’s. The low density proteins cleanse the arterial walls and do not leave any substances behind.

At your next doctor visit, ask for a cholesterol screening. It is important to take control of it now, before it is too late.