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Cholesterol & Heart Health Diet
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the body that is essential for health. It is involved in producing new cells, absorbing fat soluble vitamins and it is a part of many hormones. Your body gets 80% of the cholesterol it needs from the liver. When your doctor measures your cholesterol levels, if it is higher than desirable, it can place you at an increased risk of having a heart attack. LDL, or low density lipoproteins are commonly referred to as the 'bad' cholesterol, whereas HDL is commonly known as the 'good' cholesterol. You don't eat HDL or LDL, however your body can make them. LDL can cause damage to the arteries, whereas HDL helps remove cholesterol from the body.
Choosing foods low in saturated fat and trans fat and cholesterol, and high in soluble fibre can help improve cholesterol levels.
Other Special Diets
Special diet information provided by Registered Dietitian Maria Thomas at Urban Nutrition: Professional Nutrition Consulting in Vancouver.
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