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Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the cell membranes of all body tissues and transported through the blood plasma. In the human body there are two types of cholesterol carriers - bad cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein or LDL and good cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein or HDL. To put it simply, good cholesterol carriers help to keep the arteries healthy by clearing the cholesterol out of the system. The bad cholesterol carriers deposit cholesterol in the artery walls thus thickening them - a key cause of heart disease. The treatment of high cholesterol should be a priority!

TheAmerican Heart Associationand the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommend aiming for an HDL count of around 60 mg/ dL. An HDL count lower than 40 mg indicates an increased risk of coronary artery disease. The LDL reading should be around 130 mg/ dL. High LDL levels can be precipitated by a diet rich in saturated and trans fats and low in beneficial fats (monounsaturates and polyunsaturates). Smoking, a high alcohol intake, other poor dietary habits and lack of exercise can all contribute and should be targeted in the treatment of high cholesterol .

Total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dL usually means that the risk of a heart attack is relatively low. To keep it low, it is best to follow a diet with plenty of fruits and fiber, low fat proteins and whole grain cereals. Less saturated fat, more monounsaturated fats and foods rich in Omega 3 would help in raising the level of good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol.