Cholesterol Good and bad  

Hello Rinku..

Good about cholestrol..
You need some cholesterol to help your brain, skin, and other organs grow and do their jobs in the body.

Bad about Cholestrol..
eating too much of it is a bad idea, especially for people whose bodies already make too much cholesterol.
It floats around in your blood and can get into the walls of the blood vessels and stay there.

Source Site..
http://kidshealth.org/kid/t alk/qa/cholesterol.html

Answered by Mohd Saqib at 3:29 PM on September 19, 2008

Good and Bad Cholesterol
Comments about "good" and "bad" cholesterol refer to the type of carrier molecule that transports the cholesterol. These carrier molecules are made of protein and are called apoproteins. They are necessary because cholesterol and other fats (lipids) can't dissolve in water, which also means they can't dissolve in blood. When these apoproteins are joined with cholesterol, they form a compound called lipoproteins. The density of these lipoproteins is determined by the amount of protein in the molecule. "Bad" cholesterol is the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. High levels of these LDLs are associated with atherosclerosis. "Good" cholesterol is the high-density lipoprotein (HDL); a greater level of HDL--think of this as drain cleaner you pour in the sink--is thought to provide some protection against artery blockage.

A high level of LDL in the blood may mean that cell membranes in the liver have reduced the number of LDL receptors due to increased amounts of cholesterol inside the cell. After a cell has used the cholesterol for its chemical needs and doesn't need any more, it reduces its number of LDL receptors. This enables LDL levels to accumulate in the blood. When this happens, the LDLs begin to deposit cholesterol on artery walls, forming thick plaques. In contrast, the HDLs--the "good" guys--act to remove this excess cholesterol and transport it to the liver for disposal.

A third group of carrier molecules, the very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are converted to LDL after delivering triglycerides to the muscles and adipose (fat) tissue.

The levels of HDL, LDL and total cholesterol are all indicators for atherosclerosis and heart attack risk. People who have a cholesterol level of 275 or greater (200 or less is desirable) are at significant risk for a heart attack, despite a favorable HDL level. In addition, people who have normal cholesterol levels but low HDL levels are also at increased risk for a heart attack.

Answered by YourS at 7:54 PM on September 08, 2008

CHOLESTROL IS GOOD & BAD TOO WHEN IT IS IN EXCESS IN BODY IT CAUSES HEART PROBLEMS HOWEVER CHOLESTROL IS NEEDED FOR VARIOUS METABOLIC FUNCTIONS LIKE SYNTHESIS OF BILE ACIDS FOR DIGESTION OF FAT , FOR TRANSPORTATION OF NURTIENTS IN BLOOD VIA LIPOPROTEINS . HLDL CHOLESTROL IS CONSIDERED AS GOOD WHERE AS LDL , VLDL & ILDL CHOLESTROL ARE CONSIDERED BAD

Answered by Moksha G at 6:55 PM on September 08, 2008

Well Rinku,

Comments about "good" and "bad" cholesterol refer to the type of carrier molecule that transports the cholesterol. These carrier molecules are made of protein and are called apoproteins. They are necessary because cholesterol and other fats (lipids) can't dissolve in water, which also means they can't dissolve in blood. When these apoproteins are joined with cholesterol, they form a compound called lipoproteins. The density of these lipoproteins is determined by the amount of protein in the molecule. "Bad" cholesterol is the low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the major cholesterol carrier in the blood. High levels of these LDLs are associated with atherosclerosis. "Good" cholesterol is the high-density lipoprotein (HDL); a greater level of HDL--think of this as drain cleaner you pour in the sink--is thought to provide some protection against artery blockage.

A high level of LDL in the blood may mean that cell membranes in the liver have reduced the number of LDL receptors due to increased amounts of cholesterol inside the cell. After a cell has used the cholesterol for its chemical needs and doesn't need any more, it reduces its number of LDL receptors. This enables LDL levels to accumulate in the blood. When this happens, the LDLs begin to deposit cholesterol on artery walls, forming thick plaques. In contrast, the HDLs--the "good" guys--act to remove this excess cholesterol and transport it to the liver for disposal.

A third group of carrier molecules, the very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) are converted to LDL after delivering triglycerides to the muscles and adipose (fat) tissue.

The levels of HDL, LDL and total cholesterol are all indicators for atherosclerosis and heart attack risk. People who have a cholesterol level of 275 or greater (200 or less is desirable) are at significant risk for a heart attack, despite a favorable HDL level. In addition, people who have normal cholesterol levels but low HDL levels are also at increased risk for a heart attack.

source site : http://health.howstuffworks.co m/cholesterol3.htm

Answered by Priyanka C at 8:36 PM on September 06, 2008

the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol. These two types of lipids, along with triglycerides and Lp(a) cholesterol, make up your total cholesterol count, which can be determined through a blood test.
LDL (Bad) Cholesterol
When too much LDL (bad) cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, it can form plaque, a thick, hard deposit that can narrow the arteries and make them less flexible. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. If a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery, heart attack or stroke can result.

HDL (good) Cholesterol
About one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein (HDL). HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol, because high levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack. Low levels of HDL (less than 40 mg/dL) also increase the risk of heart disease. Medical experts think that HDL tends to carry cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. Some experts believe that HDL removes excess cholesterol from arterial plaque, slowing its buildup.

TO KNOW MORE ABOUT GOOD AND BAD CHOLESTROL PLEASE VISIT THE SOURCE SITE :
http://www.americanheart.or g/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1 80

Answered by Sanya Tahir at 9:11 PM on September 05, 2008

The average person is not a dietician. Although food labels are supposedly chocked full of the necessary information, deciphering the nutritional values, and understanding the good from the bad, can be totally frustrating. For example, what is the difference between good and bad fats?

Essentially, good fats increase high-density lipoproteins (HDL), which help lower high cholesterol. Conversely, low-density lipoproteins (LDL) affect the increase of high cholesterol. Even simplified, the answer is still confusing.

Previously, low fat diets have suggested eliminating fats altogether. Now, medical science has discovered the need for good fats. Why are good fats necessary?

When an individual suffers from high cholesterol, bad fat content in the blood stream is slowly forming plaque on the artery walls. As the plaque builds, less blood is allowed to the heart. Deprived, the heart will eventually cease to function properly. Blood flow to the brain is also slowed, or stopped by a blood clot.

Now, an individual is likely to suffer a debilitating heart attack, stroke, or sudden death. Before disaster strikes, enter the good fats.

The body actually needs the good fats, as well as some cholesterol. First, what is cholesterol?

"Cholesterol is a wax-like substance. The liver makes it and links it to carrier proteins called lipoproteins that let it dissolve in blood and be transported to all parts of the body.

Why? Cholesterol plays essential roles in the formation of cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D" (Fats & Cholesterol). So, humans need cholesterol. Problems develop, if cholesterol builds, and the liver is still producing natural cholesterol. Now, the good fats take action to absorb the bad fats and help eliminate the problem, before the bad fats can turn into plaque on the artery walls.

http://www.streetdir ectory.com/travel_guide/27149/ medical_conditions/lowering_hi gh_cholesterol_good_fats_bad_f ats.html

Answered by Uttam at 1:37 PM on September 05, 2008

well rinku !
Cholesterol is something that a normal person makes in their body every day. Many parts of the body depend on cholesterol for their proper function. But, if the body makes too much cholesterol, it can build up in places where it is harmful. One place where cholesterol causes trouble if it builds up is in the walls of blood vessels. Too much cholesterol in the walls of a blood vessel can make the vessel brittle or can block the flow of blood.

Cholesterol is something your body needs, but also something that causes problems. It can be both good and bad for you. We have learned that different types of cholesterol are also "good" and "bad" for you. The good type of cholesterol is known as HDL cholesterol. When people have higher amounts of HDL cholesterol, they seem to have less risk for heart disease. The bad type of cholesterol is LDL cholesterol. Higher amounts of LDL in the blood raise the chances of heart disease.

When your doctor measures your blood cholesterol, he or she often measures the total amount of cholesterol and the HDL and LDL, as well. The American Heart Association suggests that people with total cholesterol levels over 240 need to take steps to lower their cholesterol. About one in five American adults have levels above this number. You may need to take steps even if your total level is not over 240, if your LDL level is too high or your HDL level is too low.

If you want to lower your cholesterol level, the place to start is with your diet. You should eat no more than 300 milligrams per day of cholesterol. If you eat a lot of saturated fats, such as milk, butter or other animal fats, your body produces more cholesterol. You should eat no more that 10 percent of your total calories from saturated fats. If changing your diet doesn't decrease your cholesterol to a safer level, you may require medication.

for more inf check http://www.baptistonline.org/health /library/card3025.asp

Answered by sanjay at 1:13 PM on September 05, 2008

well,Cholesterol is a normal chemical substance made by the body and present in food made from animal products, meat, eggs and butter. Many areas of the body depend on cholesterol for their proper function. If the body makes too much cholesterol, or too much is eaten, it can build up in places where it is harmful. One place where a build-up of cholesterol causes trouble is in the walls of blood vessels. Too much cholesterol in the walls of a blood vessel can make the vessel brittle or can block the flow of blood.

Most blood cholesterol screenings give the total cholesterol level. Knowing this level is an important first step in determining your risk for heart disease or stroke. Blood cholesterol levels below 200 are desirable. In middle-aged adults, this is a good indication of a relatively low risk of coronary heart disease. Any blood cholesterol level of 200 or more increases the risk for heart disease. Levels between 200 and 239 are "borderline-high." A high blood cholesterol level is 240 or more. High readings indicate that the person has more than twice the risk of heart disease compared to someone whose cholesterol is 200.

There are different types of cholesterol. It is important to also know what your HDL or "good" cholesterol level is. HDL cholesterol actually helps clear away "bad" cholesterol from the blood vessels. When people have higher amounts of HDL cholesterol, they seem to have less risk for heart disease. LDL is the bad type of cholesterol. Higher amounts of LDL in the blood increase the chances of heart disease. Even if your total blood cholesterol level is not over 200, you may need to take steps if your LDL level is too high or your HDL level is too low.

If you want to lower your cholesterol level, the place to start is your diet. You should eat no more than 300 milligrams per day of cholesterol. If you eat a lot of saturated fats, such as milk, butter or other animal fats, your cholesterol will increase. You should eat no more than 10 percent of your total calories from saturated fats. If changing your diet does not decrease your cholesterol to a safer level, you may require medication.
source:www.uihealthcare.com/ topics/cardiovascularhealth/ca rd3025.html

Answered by Debashis at 12:42 PM on September 05, 2008

well, Our body does need cholesterol to make bile salts, hormones and vitamin D. It is mainly produced by our liver. Cholesterol will build up on the artery walls when the level of cholesterol in the blood is too high. There are 2 main types of blood cholesterol: LDL (the "Bad" cholesterol) and HDL (the "Good" cholesterol).

High amounts of the bad LDL will deposit cholesterol on the artery walls forming plaques. More and more plaques will narrow the arteries lumen and may eventually block blood flow. Therefore LDL is considered the "Bad" cholesterol. Saturated fats and trans fatty acids are the most important factors that raise blood cholesterol, not dietary cholesterol! Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats found in nuts and fish for instance, can lower the LDL level. In addition, soluble fiber found in fruits, oats, barley and legumes can also lower LDL.

The good HDL, on the other hand, takes excess cholesterol away and carries it back to the liver to be excreted. It can also remove some of the cholesterol already attached to the artery walls. Therefore HDL is considered the "Good" cholesterol as high levels of HDL in the blood can decrease the risk of heart disease. Physical activity can also raise HDL

Answered by Satya ~ at 12:19 PM on September 05, 2008

Cholesterol can't dissolve in the blood and is carried from cell to cell by lipoproteins. You have two types of these lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as the "bad" cholesterol. Too much can cause your arteries to clog.
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as the "good" cholesterol. You want to have this in your body because it protects you by carrying cholesterol away from your arteries and may even help reduce your risk of heart attack.
Your triglyceride level is also important in your cholesterol picture. Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and in the body. They come from fats found in foods and are also made in the body. Calories not used right away are changed to triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Between meals, your hormones regulate the release of triglycerides to give you energy.
High levels of triglycerides are associated with a high risk of heart attack and stroke. People who have high triglyceride levels also have high total cholesterol and low HDL. People with diabetes or who are obese tend to have a high triglyceride level as well.
Your total blood cholesterol level
Blood cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Your total blood cholesterol generally falls into these categories:
• Desirable - Less than 200 mg/dL.
• Borderline high risk - 200 to 239 mg/dL.
• High risk - 240 mg/dL and higher.

Answered by alok at 11:37 AM on September 05, 2008