$Unique_ID{BRK00157}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Does Cholesterol Do In Your Body?}
$Subject{cholesterol functions sources Circulatory System blood circulation
fatty fat foods food arteries atherosclerosis heart attacks attack strokes
stroke Diet Diets fats Saturated artery}
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How Cholesterol Levels Affect the Arteries*0002701.scf
HDL Transports Cholesterol Back to the Liver*0002702.scf
Types of Ischemic Strokes I*0006901.scf
Atherosclerosis of Arteries*0009301.scf
Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis*0009302.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does Cholesterol Do In Your Body?


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QUESTION:  It can't be all bad and it must be there for some good reason.
What does cholesterol do in your body?  What do you do when there is too much
of it for body needs?

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ANSWER:  Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver which meets
the body's needs for hormones and bile acids.  However, it also enters the
body when you eat high-fat foods, and when your cholesterol level becomes
higher than necessary for normal cell functioning, it may accumulate in your
blood.  From there, it circulates to the arteries where it is deposited on the
inner surface of the vessels.  These deposits, known as plaque, cause
atherosclerosis--a major factor in heart attacks and strokes.
     Diet can be a key element in preventing or reversing atherosclerosis.
For cholesterol levels greater than 200 mg/dl, there are diets designed to
reduce blood cholesterol.  Saturated fats found in beef, pork, eggs, and
high-fat dairy products should be eaten in limited quantities.  Only five to
seven ounces of meat should be consumed a day, increasing the amount of fish
and skinless chicken to that of red meat.  When you buy meat, select lean cuts
and trim all the fat.  Plan one or two meatless dinners each week, and cook
your foods with as little fat or oil as possible.  Olive oil and peanut oil
are the best choices.  Eat no more than two eggs a week, use low-fat milk and
cheese, and substitute polyunsaturated margarine for butter.  As a final
dietary suggestion, eat more fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain breads
and cereals.  They contain little or no cholesterol and are high in fiber.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.