It is the liver that produces cholesterol. It is released in the blood stream and is converted into hormones needed by various glands and organs in the body, like the thyroid, adrenal and the reproductive system. Recent evidence also shows that cholesterol deficiencies play a part in the immune system deficiency.

Cholesterol is found in many foods, mainly of animal nature such as meat, fish, chicken or milk-derived products like cheeses and yoghurt.

It has been fairly common knowledge that there are different types of cholesterol found in the body. Most blood tests mention the total cholesterol and then special sections of the blood test will break down the total cholesterol into specific types.

The two types that are the most interesting are the HDL (which stands for high density cholesterol) and the LDL (which stands for low density cholesterol). HDL cholesterol can be likened to an oil of very high grade which does not break down easily in adverse situations (like extreme friction or high temperature) and which continues to keep things running smoothly in an engine.

LDL cholesterol is like cheap oil, which can break down, not do its job, and actually gums up the works. The HDL is referred to as the good cholesterol, while the LDL is referred to as the bad cholesterol.

Regardless of the person’s total cholesterol level, it is very important that we understand the balance between good and bad cholesterol. Someone may have total cholesterol above 200, which is considered medically unacceptable, yet have a very high level of HDL cholesterol. It could be then said that this person’s high cholesterol is really not a danger.

As a matter of fact, someone’ total cholesterol level could be over 200, but if he or she has high levels of the good cholesterol that person may be actually in better shape than someone who has a lower cholesterol level without protective levels of the good cholesterol.

Cholesterol is something that has been linked to cardiovascular disease. In fact, people who have high cholesterol without a lot of good cholesterol are much more prone to heart attacks and arteriosclerosis.

On the other hand, having a cholesterol level that is too low is also harmful. People who have cholesterol levels generally below 135 are at a much higher risk of strokes than those who have cholesterol above 200. Why is this?

Well, when cholesterol is below 135, much of it can be found to be slugging in the liver, creating deposits and plaques. A lot of the cholesterol is found coating the arteries or building up in the circulatory system.

At some point – if some cholesterol then breaks loose, floats through the system and hits a narrow area where there may be other cholesterol built up – an occlusion can occur where the cholesterol is now blocking the circulatory system and a stroke may result. Diet has been much talked about in regards to cholesterol. However, research has shown that cholesterol levels are only influenced by a maximum of about 20 per cent by diet. It has been a rare occasion that an individual who went on a strict diet had outstanding results in lowering his or her cholesterol levels.

The solution to handling cholesterol is first to identify what kind of metabolism you have. Does your body require fats – as in these rare cases – to lower your cholesterol, or do you have the more common kind of metabolism, which should avoid fat of all kinds in order to help the body burn the cholesterol?

Next, identify what vitamin or mineral deficiencies you might have that could be causing a cholesterol problem. It has been well documented that many nutrients affect cholesterol. There are many different vitamin and mineral substances that the body uses to regulate its own cholesterol levels.

Researchers have found far greater results in supplying the body with correct amounts of these nutrients to lower cholesterol as opposed to doing it by diet. Some people, when they go on the proper nutritional program for cholesterol, actually find their cholesterol levels soaring very high for several months, then dropping dramatically.

The reason this occurs is that many times cholesterol becomes congested in the liver. When special vitamins and herbs are taken (which help to emulsify or break down the cholesterol) it is released from the liver into the blood, and therefore, sometimes remains high for several months. Once all the cholesterol is “dissolved” from the liver, and is no longer being released, cholesterol levels in the blood will then drop to normal or ideal levels.

Fibre plays a very important role in managing cholesterol. People who consume a high fibre diet, particularly a diet that is high in certain types of fibres, will have less cholesterol absorption from their intestines.

No article on cholesterol could be considered complete without mentioning margarine. Margarine and hydrogenated fats have been used for many years as substitutes for butter or other foods high in cholesterol.

Many studies have shown the use of these unsaturated fats (such as margarine) have actually helped lower cholesterol levels in people over several years. However, what most of the margarine manufacturers fail to mention is the fact that over long periods of time, the use of margarine and hydrogenated fats actually increase the possibility of heart disease and cancer.They may produce a lower cholesterol level, but they are much more deadly than cholesterol. Why? Margarine and other hydrogenated fats are very dangerous and unstable in the body. A hydrogenated fat is a type of oil that has been force-fed hydrogen ions, making it solid at room temperature.

It is so unstable because when consumed into the body, it actually creates damage to the cells. This has been found to perpetuate cardiovascular disease, damage to the arteries and cancer. So when shopping, always read labels and make sure that you consume as little hydrogenated fats and margarine as possible.

Butter is definitely a healthier alternative to margarine in the long run. Exercise is something that is important in keeping cholesterol levels under control. Proper amounts of exercise stimulate the metabolism and allow the body to burn up and use cholesterol correctly, so that it does not build up in the system.