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Sources of LDL Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a soft, waxy natural substance found in your bloodstream and every cell of your body. Its molecules can make up nearly half of each cell membrane and, overall, cholesterol's purpose is to help body cells work together as a unit instead of being an inactive mass of individual, disconnected cells. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (low density lipoprotein), called the "bad" type, and HDL (high density lipoprotein), the good cholesterol. Excessive levels of LDL are harmful because they can clog arteries, which can lead to heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Identifying sources of LDL and then avoiding or limiting them may prove beneficial if you are seeking to lower your cholesterol level.

  1. Sources

    • High levels of LDL are primarily caused by overconsumption of saturated, trans fats and meat products. Other factors include obesity, smoking, lack of regular exercise or mobility and diabetes mellitus.

    Identification

    • Saturated fats are found in animal products such as whole milk, cheese, butter and fatty meats, and also in vegetable oils: coconut, palm and palm kernel. These types of fats contain high amounts of hydrogen, which makes them able to solidify at room temperature.

    Types

    • Trans fats are manufactured using a process in which hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, causing the liquid oil to be transformed into shortening or margarine, which are recognized as solid fats.

    Effects

    • Trans fats are particularly harmful because they not only elevate LDL levels but also lower HDL, the beneficial cholesterol. These fats are found in fried and processed foods and commercially produced bakery items (cookies, donuts, muffins and crackers).

    Considerations

    • When buying food products, it is advisable to read labels and identify the presence of LDL in the form of saturated or trans fats. You should be aware, however, that these ingredients are many times listed using terms such as hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated or trans fatty acids.

    Function

    • Your liver is another source of LDL, as it makes and secretes the substance. The liver contains LDL receptors that aid in collecting and removing excess levels from your blood. The more receptors you have, the lower your LDL rate will be.

    • Small, dense LDL is said to be the most dangerous type of cholesterol as it increases the risk of coronary heart disease by up to six times. LDL becomes small and dense for many of the same reasons that cause high cholesterol levels. Genetics has also been found to play a role when parents pass on the condition to their offspring.

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