What is Cholesterol?
	Cholesterol is a soft, waxy, fat-like substance found in animal products such as meats, eggs, and dairy products.  In the body, cholesterol is made by the liver and used to make cell membranes and hormones.  Too much cholesterol can cause plaques that clog the arteries and increase your risk of heart disease.  Eating high fat foods can raise your cholesterol level.  The tow primary types of cholesterol are: HDL (high density lipoprotein) is your “good” cholesterol.  It carries fat and cholesterol from the arteries to the liver or tissues to be used or excreted.  HDL’s are associated with reduced risk of heart disease LDL (low density lipoprotein) is your “bad” cholesterol because too much can lead to clogged blood vessels and increase your risk of heart disease.   What are triglycerides? Triglycerides are fatty substances in the blood that can also contribute to clogged blood vessels and increase your risk for heart disease.   What should your numbers be? Total cholesterol:     <200mg/dL HDL:        >40mg/dL LDL:        <130mg/dL             <100mg/dL Triglycerides:    <150mg/dL How can you improve your cholesterol levels? To raise HDL: (good cholesterol) -    Exercise most days of the week -    Stop smoking -    Lose weight if overweight To lower LDL: (bad cholesterol) -    Eat less saturated and trans fat -    Lose weight if overweight -    Eat more high fiber foods Trigylcerides: -    Restrict alcohol -    Eat less simple sugars -    Eat less fat -    Exercise regularly