A waxy, fatty substance, cholesterol or lipids are found in the cell membranes and transported in the blood plasma of all humans and animals. Although a certain level of cholesterol is vital for the normal functioning of the body, excessive cholesterol levels can spark off a condition known as hyperlipidemia which can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This can also result in a build up in the artery wall which would restrict the flow of blood to your heart, brain and rest of your body and substantially increases chances of the development of a blood clot. In addition people with high cholesterol levels (more than 5mmol/L) are increasingly at risk of developing coronary and cardiovascular diseases.

One of the main causes of high cholesterol levels is the diet. An unhealthy diet along with a bad lifestyle can increase the cholesterol levels and the chances of a heart attack. The major sources of high cholesterol foods include dairy products like cheese and animal products like beef, pork, poultry, egg yolk and shrimp. To know more about high cholesterol foods, refer to the list of foods high in cholesterol. However, for people who would like to introduce a healthy diet so as to lower their cholesterol levels, here is a cholesterol lowering foods list. Read the rest of this entry »