#1080: Show- Understanding Cholesterol and Other Bio Markers

Show Topic: Understanding Cholesterol and Other Bio Markers

Co-Hosts:  Judy Gaman, Mark Anderson, Walter Gaman

Guest: None

Segment 1:

Today we are talking about lipids: Cholesterol, triglycerides, and other biomarkers that are important.

• What is cholesterol and where does it come from? Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the body. It is essential for good health and forms part of the lining (membrane) of every cell. It plays a part in the production of hormones (estrogen and testosterone), production of bile for digestion, and is necessary for production of Vitamin D
• While cholesterol is made in small quantities throughout the body, the majority of cholesterol your body makes is made in the liver
• Cholesterol can also be taken in from outside sources like meat, dairy, and saturated vegetable oils like coconut and palm oils.
• Good Cholesterol – HDL –High density lipoprotein. These have a higher amount of protein than fat. The “job” of HDL is to clear cholesterol from the body by picking up cholesterol from cells and carrying it back to the liver for disposal. Too low of HDL puts you at risk for heart disease and high levels have an extra protective effect.
• Bad Cholesterol – LDL – Low-density lipoprotein. These have more fat than protein and make up the bulk of the cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body. Here it works on cell repair. High LDL increases risk for heart disease because it deposits its cholesterol part onto artery walls. It also causes inflammation because it deposits into other body tissues too, like as tendons.
• Preference Guidelines – Total cholesterol >200 HDL >60   LDL