’ Cholesterol. Essay

Submitted By rkuras
Words: 395
Pages: 2

Cholesterol People constantly hear in the media and from health experts that we as Americans have high cholesterol, often too high to be considered healthy. But what is considered a healthy level, and what sort of problems can occur when cholesterol levels reach too high or too low? What is ‘good’ or ‘bad’ cholesterol, and what are the benefits that can be gained from them? This is meant to explain the purpose of cholesterol; the different types of cholesterol, as well as, the medical concerns and benefits of high and low levels. For starters, what exactly is cholesterol? It is actually a fat made by the liver, and is a compound of sterol that is in most body tissue, such as, blood and nerves. It is essential for many functions of the body. Cholesterol is used in the production of sex hormones, converts sunshine into vitamin D, and even provides insulation for nerve fibers. So, how could one possibly have too much cholesterol? Well, there are two types of cholesterol. While both are equally necessary; having high levels of one can be detrimental to one’s health. The first type is called LDL or low density lipoprotein. LDL is found throughout the body in the blood and nerves. It is carried out from the liver. It is considered the ‘bad’ cholesterol because when too much is carried out, it causes buildup. The second type is HDL or high density lipoprotein. HDL is said to be ‘good’ cholesterol. It helps prevent arterial disease, and carries cholesterol from the rest of the body back to the liver to be broken down or removed as waste. Having high