Cook Yourself Thin Recipes - Low Cholesterol

The liver produces a fatty matter, which we otherwise know as cholesterol. Cholesterol plays many important roles in the body; one of which helps keep the activity of the organism working, however this is only true in small amounts. With cholesterol present in the body it helps to  produce vitamin D and hormones commonly known as testosterone (male hormone) and estrogens (female hormone.) Cholesterol in the liver helps to produce bile, which is used to digest fat. On the exterior membrane of blood cells you will find that cholesterol will cover and protect the blood cells from any damage. 

So should you cut out cholesterol?

Cholesterol in normal amounts is good for us but too much in our bodies can lead to tragic diseases. Heart diseases are caused by high blood cholesterol, which can then lead to heart attacks, which are common amongst many in today’s society.  What happens is the excess cholesterol enters the bloodstream and positions itself in the arteries, soft tissues and organs. Once the cholesterol clings to the inner walls of our arteries it disrupts the blood flow and prevents the oxygenation of the organs within our body. 

Of course our age, sex and genetic heritage can be argued as valid causes that may play a role in the amounts of cholesterol that one may have within their body. However if we assist ourselves to a healthy diet this will of course help prevent a mass accumulation of cholesterol in our body not to mention weight loss and a healthier body.  

There are two main types of fat, saturated and unsaturated fat. Unsaturated fat is the better of the two, it helps prevent heart disease and other heart related problems. This can be accumulated through eating less dairy products and animal meats such as liver, pork, lamb etc. It is suggested that substituting these meats with fish and eating more fruit and vegetables will decrease our intake of cholesterol. The other type of fat is saturated fat, which helps the formation of cholesterol in our body that again will lead to fatal illnesses regarding the heart.

You should daily consume, green vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and asparagus. Make sure that these are all cooked from fresh, perhaps even if you make a pot of vegetable soup and have a few bowls throughout the day or week. Try to avoid greasy foods by not frying your meat but instead boil or grill. One last important point is to drink lots of water this helps the prevent the build up of cholesterol in the body.
For more information, read the Cholesterol Diet Sheet.

• "To summarise, cholesterol is a lipid otherwise known as a fat manufactured by the liver from the fatty foods that we eat. Although too much is bad for you, it is vital for normal bodily functioning. Too much can lead to problems such as heart failure leading to heart attacks or strokes".

• "Cholesterol is present in the membrane (outer layer) of every cell in the body. It insulates nerve fibres, and is an essential building block for hormones, such as the sex hormones and the hormones made and released by the adrenal glands". 

• "Cholesterol also enables the body to produce bile salts".

Or look at the Sugar free diet.