We are quite aware the high cholesterol levels in the blood are bad. But are you aware that there are also some types of cholesterol that are in fact good for you?

Knowing an accurate cholesterol definition can help you plan a healthy diet, and it may even save your life!

First, we need to know  what cholesterol definition is.

Because often times, when people hear the word cholesterol, they  automatically think that it is bad and it becomes an instant culprit and reason for all diseases known to man. In fact, when ordinary people are asked for cholesterol definition, the answer depends on who is asking and who is answering the question.

Actually, the right cholesterol definition can easily be found in many medical and scientific forums and databases. Cholesterol is defined as a viscuous, wax-like semi solid substance  of fat that is  produced by the liver. Cholesterol can be found in the body’s cells, lining the membranes everywhere, including the brain, the nerves and the nervous system, the body’s muscles, the skin, the liver where it is produced, the intestines and of course, the heart.

When does a cholesterol become harmful to our body?

Bad cholesterol, is harmful to the body.  This cholesterol comes from fats and is actually present in different forms. Trans-fats and saturated fats are the kind that you get from butter, red meat, french fries, bacon, and all kinds of processed and greasy foods.

A high cholesterol number means that the body has an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, the most common of which are heart diseases. The cholesterol tends to cling and causes buildup in the walls of the arteries, leaving little room for blood and oxygen flowing to the heart. This dangerous constriction can result in chest pains and a high probability of heart attack.

There are  monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats like the ones that you get from peanuts, olive oil,  and  avocados and are considered to be good cholesterol. These fats can actually help your body lower the bad cholesterol present.

Now that you know what cholesterol definition is, it makes it easier to formulate a healthy diet plan. The general rule and the easiest to remember is that foods that are not animal products have no cholesterol. This means that you can load up on fresh fruits, vegetables, especially the dark, green and leafy kind, and the many legumes that the body needs to function properly. In fact, because olive oil is a  source of good cholesterol, it is better to start using it in cooking rather than the other kinds of cooking oil.

Meat is important in the diet. There are cuts of meat that are healthy to eat.  Generally, white meat from chicken is always a good choice. Fish steaks and fillets, especially salmon, is another source of good cholesterol. Salmon is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, this is a good cholesterol that your body can use to raise your  high density (HDL) cholesterol,  while lowering your bad cholesterol or your low density (LDL) cholesterol.

Having a good grasp of cholesterol definition will definitely help you plan nutritious meals.

It is imperative that you know your cholesterol count for purposes of monitoring. And it’s also good to have a baseline count, so you know if the diet you’re on is helping you or hurting you.