Low-Cholesterol Nutrition

An elevated cholesterol level in the blood can contribute significantly to the development of myocardial infarction. Heart attacks occur due to clogged arteries (atherosclerosis). Forty percent of heart attacks in Germany are due to poor nutrition, the risk factors of atherosclerosis include: overweight (obesity), elevated blood lipids, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance (lipid) and an important component of cell membranes, nerve tissue, and a precursor of hormones.

In the blood it is transported bound to lipoproteins.

There are several types of lipoproteins, the two most important one are: LDL and HDL.

LDL (low density lipoprotein)

LDL transports cholesterol from the liver to the tissues. A high LDL level indicates that much cholesterol circulates in the body.

The excessive - not absorbed by the tissue - LDL, adsorbs to damaged vessel walls and leads to plaque formation, which can lead to atherosclerosis in the long term.
HDL (high density lipoprotein)
HDL is called a 'good' lipoprotein because it can absorb excessive cholesterol from the blood and transport it to the liver. In the liver it is broken down to bile acid, in this form it can be transported to the bowel and then be excreted.

Examination of cholesterol levels

The blood withdrawal should be done in the fasting state. It is taken from a blood sample and determines the total cholesterol, and the LDL and HDL levels. The total cholesterol content in the blood is only a starting point to a derailed fat metabolism. But while an increased HDL is good for cardiovascular health, increased LDL has a damaging effect. Generally speaking: the more risk factors that are present (smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, diabetes), the lower the total cholesterol level needs to be to prevent atherosclerosis.

General standard value for blood fat levels fluctuates, as they must always be seen in relation to other risk factors and life circumstances.

If elevated blood fat levels found a lifestyle change must be made to prevent atherosclerosis and heart attack. [1]
- However, there are also genetic factors that may lead to a disturbed-fat metabolism