What Is Cholesterol?

Two kinds of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout your body: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Having healthy levels of both types of lipoproteins is important. LDL cholesterol is called “bad” cholesterol. A high LDL level leads to a build-up of cholesterol in your arteries. HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol. This is because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver removes the cholesterol from your body. Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that’s found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D , and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also is found in some of the foods you eat. Cholesterol travels through your bloodstream in small packages called lipoproteins

Food that lower cholesterol

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Oats

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Red Wine – Resveratrol

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Salmon & Fatty fish (Omega 3 fats)

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Nuts

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Tea

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Beans

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Olive Oil

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Spinach, Egg Plant, Lady Finger (okra)

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Avacado, Grapes, Apples, cherry, Berries – Antioxidants

Food that cause BAD Cholesterol

Food with high cholesterol

saturated fat (found in some meats, deep-fried and processed foods) 

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trans fats

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Egg yolk

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Cheese

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Meat

Causes of high cholesterol

High cholesterol can contribute to coronary heart disease. Elevated levels of LDL lead to a build-up of cholesterol in the arteries, whereas HDL carries cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body. A build-up of cholesterol is part of the process that narrows arteries, called atherosclerosis, in which plaques form and cause restriction of blood flow. Abnormal cholesterol levels can also arise due to other conditions: 

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diabetes

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liver or kidney disease

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Overweight or obese can also lead to higher blood LDL levels. Regular exercise may reduce the risk 

Source : Internet