Cholesterol....Good or Evil?

Cholesterol is a natural substance in the body. 80% of cholesterol is manufactured by the liver, with the additional 20% coming from diet. Cholesterol is essential in building the membranes of our body's cells and it is also an important part of our sexual hormones. Cholesterol also aids in the digestion and breakdown of foods. Cholesterol can become a problem when too much low (LDL) lipoproteins are present. The LDL causes plaque to appear on the artery walls, which can lead to heart disease. High Lipoproteins (HDL levels) are the good lipids. High HDLs rid the body of excess cholesterol. The levels of LDLs and HDLs are controlled by diet. Cholesterol is a normal and needed substance in the body, it is the overproduction of cholesterol that casues problems with our health. A diet high in fiber, low in salt, low in heated fats and low in animal and dairy products is beneficial in fighting "high cholesterol levels".