Half-a-raw onion raises HDL cholesterol by 25 per cent in people with cholesterol problems. Photo by Cpl Belinda Mepham, 1JPAU(P)

A time bomb inside you

Cholesterol in a nutshell is fatty build up through poor eating habits, or just plain eating of the wrong foods.

Unfortunately for Australians, cholesterol problems account for around 40 per cent of all deaths through the associated artery blockages in the heart or brain. If you add to this other factors such as lifestyle and genetics, some people are a time bomb ready to explode.

It is important to know your cholesterol levels as they can be an indicator to health problems you thought you did not suffer from, or in fact be subjected to.

Certain levels are essential to health, but high levels of LDL (low density lipoprotein) are definitely detrimental.

What you are trying to achieve is a harmonious balance between good and bad. In fact you are trying to lean more towards the good. In a perfect world of dietary guidelines, time for food preparation and strict codes of eating, LDL products would all but disappear.

But in this age of fast foods and things having to be done yesterday, Mr and Mrs Average generally eat where and when they can.
LDL is classed as the 'bad' cholesterol and the stuff we are trying to reduce. The stuff we want to increase for a healthier body is HDL (high density lipoprotein). What HDL does is clear the arteries of excess cholesterol, and that is a good thing. Having a high HDL is beneficial as it counteracts another negative risk factor, overweight.

It is important to be checked and to know your cholesterol numbers. Why? High cholesterol has no noticeable symptoms, often the first indicator of a problem is that ambulance ride to the hospital.

When having your blood test, ask for the 'Lipid Profile' and not just total cholesterol, as the total figure is not indicative of your potential risk, or indeed your good state of health. Knowing the level of LDL's (bad) is important as strong evidence suggests a strong link with heart attack. It is equally important to know the HDL level as a high count is good news.

The Australian Heart Foundation guidelines identify LDL levels of less than 2.6 mmo/l (milimole per litre) as optimal.

Currently the foundation is considering the US guidelines which are more stringent than the Australian standards. That can only be a good thing.

Some good final advice would be to know your cholesterol levels and get tested regularly.

Take control of your grocery shopping and learn about food labels. They are there for a reason. Importantly learn what one portion really is and how big that should be.

Take aim for a healthy weight, BMI is a basic indicator for quick reference.

Stock your pantry and refrigerator with fruits and low fat /fat free products.

Most importantly, undertake some form of exercise in whatever shape, form or fashion.

Remember that a high LDL is bad and that a high HDL is good. A low LDL is better though.

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