How to be cholesterol smart

Understanding the good and the bad cholesterol will help maintain a healthy heart. This is what I understood after getting my general health checkup recently.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance present throughout the body, and is involved in the production of hormones, Vitamin D, and the bile acids used for digestion. When present in excessive amounts, it can injure blood vessels, which may eventually cause heat attacks and stroke. Our body gets cholesterol in two ways: by producing the substance organically, and through the food we eat. The body makes enough of the stuff on its own, so most of the cholesterol we eat is excessive. This is why, if we are at risk of heart disease or have high cholesterol levels in our blood, it is vitally important to cut out the “unnecessary” cholesterol from our diet. Just like oil and water, cholesterol and blood do not mix, it must be “chauffeured” to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoprotein: low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as “bad” cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as “good” cholesterol. Too much LDL-cholesterol in the blood can lead to cholesterol build up in the arteries. FAQs on cholestrol: http://healthy-india.org/preventheart4.asp
Controlling our cholesterol is possible. First it is important for us to have our cholesterol tested. Whatever our blood cholesterol level, we can make changes to help lower it or keep it low and reduce our risk for heart disease. I am using Green Tea [without sugar and milk] , Raw Vegitable juice and Almond Nuts. I have changed simple walk to brisk walk in the morning and increased the duration. I now find myself physically active and healthy.