Understanding Cholesterol

Siobhan Julian delivers the facts on cholesterol

Are you confused about cholesterol? You are not alone! This is a quick guide to understanding cholesterol. First things first .... there are two different types of cholesterol and it's important to know the difference:

Blood Cholesterol:

Blood (or serum) cholesterol circulates in the bloodstream. Each of us has a number that represents the level of our blood cholesterol. For optimum health, this number should be 5 or below. You can have your blood cholesterol tested easily and quickly with a visit to your GP.

The cholesterol that circulates in your blood comes from two sources: Your body makes cholesterol and it is actually necessary for the body to function properly. Most of the cholesterol your body creates is created by the liver. Some of us produce more than others and often there is a hereditary link. If you have a family history of high cholesterol and think you may be at risk, you should talk to your GP. The second kind of cholesterol is dietary.

Dietary Cholesterol:

Dietary cholesterol comes from food and it does not automatically become blood cholesterol. It's important to know that your total fat intake (especially saturated fat intake) has the most significant effect on your blood cholesterol.

Dietary tips for a healthy blood cholesterol level

The good news is that we can all take steps to reduce our cholesterol by making sensible choices about our food. And even if your cholesterol level is high, it is usually reversible with some simple changes to the diet:

• Avoid fat on meat, fatty bacon and rashers, sausages, sausage rolls, fatty mincemeat, luncheon meats, corn beef, salami, black and white pudding and pates. Lean red meat, fish and eggs (not fried) are much healthier choices.
• Steer clear of cakes, biscuits, pies, pastries, crisps, savoury snacks, creamy desserts and chocolates. Opt for fruit and low fat yogurts as a healthier alternative and a good choice of snack.
• Swap your full fat dairy products for low fat alternatives. 
• Use the food pyramid as a guide to healthy eating for a healthy heart