What is cholesterol?
The name cholesterol originates from the Greek, 'chole-' (bile) and stereos (solid), and the chemical suffix -ol for an alcohol. Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes; it regulates membrane fluidity over the range of physiological temperatures. About 20–25% of total daily cholesterol production occurs in the liver, other sites of high synthesis rates include the intestines, adrenal glands and reproductive organs. Cholesterol is only slightly soluble in water;
it can dissolve and travel in the water-based bloodstream at
exceedingly small concentrations. Since cholesterol is insoluble in
blood, it is transported in the circulatory system within lipoproteins, complex spherical particles which have an exterior composed of amphiphilic proteins and lipids whose outward-facing surfaces are water-soluble and inward-facing surfaces are lipid-soluble; triglycerides
and cholesterol esters are carried internally. Phospholipids and
cholesterol, being amphipathic, are transported in the surface
monolayer of the lipoprotein particle.
How is cholesterol tested?
It is recommended by the American Heart Association to test cholesterol every 5 years for people aged 20 years or older.A blood sample after fasting is taken by a doctor or a home
cholesterol monitoring device to determine a lipoprotein profile. This
measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good)
cholesterol and triglycerides. It is recommended to have cholesterol
tested more frequently than 5 years if a person: has total cholesterol
of 200 mg/dL or more, if a man over age 45 or a woman over age 50, has
HDL (good) cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL, or other risk factors for
heart disease and stroke.
This blood cholesterol chart shows what your blood cholesterol
levels should be and includes low and high cholesterol level
measurements:
| Blood Cholesterol Level Chart |
Desirable (mg/dL)
|
Borderline (high) (mg/dL) |
High Risk (mg/dL) |
Total Cholesterol
|
< 200 |
200-240 |
> 240 |
| Triglycerides |
< 150 |
150-500 |
> 500 |
| Low Density Cholesterol |
< 130 |
130-160 |
> 240 |
| High Density Cholesterol |
> 50 |
50-35 |
< 35 |
Food Recipes for Cholesterol:
 | Blueberry-Oat Bars
Course: Desserts
Duration: 30 mins < 60 mins
Key Ingredients: blueberries, apple juice, cornstarch, oatmeal, baking powder |
 | Carrot-Oat Porridge
Course: Main Course
Duration: 0 < 30 mins
Key Ingredients: oats, psyllium husk, carrot, almonds, raisins, cardamom powder |