Cholesterol, What is it and why do I have to worry about it?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood and in the cells in your body.

Its primary function in the body is hormone production, and it helps with digestion.

Interestingly though, we don’t need to consume it as the liver can make enough for what the body needs.

Why do we care?

We concern ourselves so much because an Australian dies every 12 minutes from heart disease and cholesterol levels are a leading risk factor for heart disease.

Meet Harry and Lenny

The way I think of it is a bit like a family that lived down the road when I grew up, the Hubbards.

The Hubbards had 2 twin boys, Harry and Lenny, around my age.

Harry was a delightful kid, polite, always happy to help and never did any harm.

On the other hand, Lenny was always in trouble for something and not a very friendly kid to play with.

Harry would end up implicated somehow, taking the blame or fixing the problem before anyone knew about it.

Harry = HDL

The first High-Density Lipoprotein, or HDL for short, in my mind the Harry kind that we need for hormone production and to clean up after Lenny.

HDL breaks down LCL and absorbs it along the way through the bloodstream clearing the arteries for healthy cardiovascular function.

Lenny = LDL

The second Low-Density Lipoprotein, LDL for short, is like Lenny, the naughty kind of Cholesterol.

LDL causes heart attacks by hanging around in the arteries and blocking the passage of blood.

We just need a little more Harry than Lenny, and we’re fine!

More Harry, Less Lenny

If you want some more Harry in your life (HDL):

• Oily fish like salmon and mackerel

• Almonds and unsalted nut butter

• Chia seeds and pumpkin seeds

To avoid Lenny moments:

• Fried chips

• Nuggets

• Doughnuts

• Ice cream

• Margarine that doesn’t promote cholesterol-lowering benefits

In real terms

• Order grilled salmon instead of a flake

• Choose almonds instead of Doritos

• Ditch margarine or butter if you can

The positive spin

If you are someone whose been told by their doctor they have high cholesterol well it turns out you have an abundance of hormone making material!

What stimulates hormone creation?

Strength training.

Need a hand?

These simple adjustments can make a huge difference, but if you’re really stuck and unsure where to go from here, get in touch.

We’ve put together a 6-week Cholesterol King/Queen program to drive Lenny out and welcome Harry back.

Yours in Health,

Sean Cornish