Call Pat at 204-0650 to register. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance, but it is not a fat. It's used to make many compounds that are vital to the body, including hormones and cell membranes. Cholesterol is made in our liver and also comes from the animal-based foods we eat. There is no cholesterol in plant foods.
Cholesterol is transported in the blood by carrier particles.
In general, it is desirable to have a total cholesterol under 200, with HDL levels of 45 or more and LDL levels under 130. Another number you may have heard is trigylcerides. This blood fat is not technically cholesterol, but it is also an important number in determining your risk for heart disease. Diet is the most controllable factor, but obesity, lack of exercise and certain inherited tendencies also play a part. Regular activity helps lower total and LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL cholesterol.