Why is cholesterol important for your health and the function of your body?

Q. Why is cholesterol important for your health and the function of your body? Is cholesterol in your diet really that bad?

A. Cholesterol doesn't make you fat or anything, but it contributes to heart disease in the future. If you have a high cholesterol, you have a high chance of heart disease. To prevent this, try eating mono-unsaturated fats, and poly-unsaturated fats. These are good fats that lower bad cholesterol, and increase your good cholesterol. Sources of mono and poly unsaturated fats are nuts - almonds, pecans, peanuts, and walnuts, and cooking oil, lol.

Original Question

When does cholesterol synthesis occurs during the night, or whenever one goes to sleeps?

Q. -Statins are suggested to be taken at night when cholesterol synthesis occurs most. But does this process occurs during the daytime as well, when certain individuals goes to sleep (such as those with overnight working schedules), or does synthesis occur when there is very little or no sunlight present?

A. Where do I ask a question?

Original Question

I have high cholesterol, and need to eat Oatmeal. What are some easy recipes?

Q. I can't just eat a bowl of Oatmeal! I never liked the mushy consistentcy. Anybody know any good recipes?
I can't even eat instant oatmeal! I am looking for some recipes that use oatmeal. Like some kind of oatmeal bars, or something simular!

A. Have you tried baked oatmeal? It's a little firmer.
INGREDIENTS

* 3 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup dried cranberries


DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Beat in milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in dried cranberries. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Where is Low density lipoprotein (LDL) & High density lipoprotein (HDL) synthesized?

Q. Could you also let me know
1. HOW and WHERE they are removed from the bloodstream and
2. Dietary and lifestyle factors that may increase or decrease the amount in the blood (please explain).

I have been researching but I didn't find much.

A. Mostly the liver makes LDL and HDL which are fats/cholesterol..
You can stop eating cholesterol for the rest of your life and still have high levels. How can this be? For starters, all of your cells can create cholesterol. This is good because every cell in your body needs it to form protective membranes. Your body actually monitors your cells, and if it senses that a cell doesn't have enough cholesterol, it will produce more. Cholesterol also is an essential building block for naturally produced vitamin D and other good stuff, like estrogen and testosterone. But even though every cell can make its own cholesterol, some cells need extra help with their supply. This is where your liver comes in.
Your body, mainly your liver, produces 75 percent of your cholesterol; your small intestine also aids in both the creation and absorption of cholesterol [source: AHA]. The average diet adds another 300 to 500 mg of cholesterol [source: Schafer]. This external cholesterol comes from animal and dairy products. But even if you eat foods without cholesterol, the carbs, fats and proteins all break down eventually and release carbon, which your liver turns into cholesterol.

Original Question

where is Low density lipoprotein (LDL) & High density lipoprotein (HDL) synthesized?

Q. Could you also let me know
1. HOW and WHERE they are removed from the bloodstream and
2. Dietary and lifestyle factors that may increase or decrease the amount in the blood (please explain).

I have been researching but I didn't find much.

A. HDL cholesterol "scavenges" your bad cholesterol and helps to eliminate LDL from the body. The only nonpharmacologic way to increase your HDL is to exercise.

Ingesting more soluble fiber lowers your LDL cholesterol because soluble fiber binds bile in the GI tract and it gets eliminated. Bile is synthesized using LDL, so that's why you sometimes see advertising on the side of quaker oats that they can lower your cholesterol. I believe the recommendation is to get 20-30 g of fiber / day.

Original Question

why would chylomicron, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein form a spherical shape?

Q. not sure if this is important:
chylomicron has 4% phospholipid, 90% triacylglycerol, 5% cholesterol, 1% protein.
low-density lipoprotein has 20% phospholipid, 10% triacylglycerol, 45% cholesterol, 25% protein.
high-density lipoprotein has 30% phospholipid, 5% triacylglycerol, 20% cholesterol, 45% protein.

A. Particles (and systems in general) always follow the "principal of least energy" which reduces the free energy of a system to minimum.

Phospholipids are polar compounds based upon a glycerol backbone. Two fatty acids are attached to the phospholipid at the sn-1, and sn-2 position (end and middle respectively). Both fatty acids are non-polar and hydrophobic (water-hating). The third spot is taken by a polar group at the sn-3 position (e.g. the other end) which is hydrophilic (water loving). In addition to polar amino acids and proteins, the outer side of the lipoprotein particles face the water while the hydrophobic portions point inward, where triglycerides, cholesterol and cholesterol esters are.

The hydrophilic outer portion allows lipoprotein particles to stay suspended in serum and blood. The inner lipid and sterol portion attract each other and form a stable system.

The shape that reduces free energy to a minimum is a sphere so lipoprotein particles assume that shape.

Without the phospholipids and proteins surrounding the water-insoluble portions, the lipid and sterol molecules would simply coalesce, which would result in blobs of fat accumulating in the circulatory system.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

How is cholesterol calculated and can you have too much good cholesterol?

Q. I went to the doctor and my cholesterol was 246 which isn't so good but my good cholesterol was 65, which she said is great. Is the LDL what's remaining after the good cholesterol is subtracted from the total? Can you have too much HDL?

A. HDL are "high-density lipoproteins" which is fancy doctor talk for cells that are high in protein, low in fat/cholesterol. This is preferred, as this is what "feeds" the body with growth proteins. Proteins power "cell" creation and repair (only). Things like muscle, skin, hair, etc...anything that grows or requires frequent repair benefit from higher counts of HDL. HDL's increase in demand with more activity. Specifically 'cardio' (meaning heart) workouts. You really can't have "too much" HDL's because if the body doesnt need the level of proteins in the blood sugar, it simply release it as it passes through the kidneys. We pee out excess proteins. They do NOT convert to bodyfat like some bodybuilders like to beleive.

LDLs are of course "Low density", meaning low protein high fat. LDL's partially provide energy to "active" muscles. The cells are often "coated" with saturated fats. As these move around the body feeding active muscles, they 'bump along' the artery walls, the leave little "skid marks" so to speak. These marks build up to become plaque, and can cause heart decrease. Reducing LDL's to under 200, (or 150 even better) would be good advice but often requires medication, diet modification, AND more physical activity.

Original Question

How much cholesterol would be in a ostrich egg?

Q. Actually, you can eat ostrich eggs. Eggs are eggs. Just to let you know.

A. An ostrich egg is supposed to be equal to 2 dozen chicken eggs. That would mean 2520 grams of cholesterol.

Original Question

How is cholesterol good for you and your body?

Q. Explain the benefits of cholesterol for the body and its functions. How does it affect joints and organs?

A. Americans are being saturated with anti-cholesterol propaganda. If you watch very much television, you're probably one of the millions of Americans who now has a terminal case of cholesterol phobia. The probaganda is relentless and is often designed to produce fear and loathing of this works of all food contaminants. You never hear the food propagandists bragging about their product being fluoride free or aluminum free, two of our truly serious food-addidtive problems. But cholesterol, an essential nutrient not proven to be harmfull in ANY quantity is constantly pilloried as a menance to your health. If you don't use corn oil, Fleishmann's margarine and Egg Beaters, you are going straight to atherosclerosis hell with stroke, heart attack and premature aging and so are your kids.

William Campbell Douglass, MD
Eat Your Cholesterol

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

When does cholesterol synthesis occurs during the night, or whenever one goes to sleeps?

Q. -Statins are suggested to be taken at night when cholesterol synthesis occurs most. But does this process occurs during the daytime as well, when certain individuals goes to sleep (such as those with overnight working schedules), or does synthesis occur when there is very little or no sunlight present?

A. Where do I ask a question?

Original Question

I have high cholesterol, and need to eat Oatmeal. What are some easy recipes?

Q. I can't just eat a bowl of Oatmeal! I never liked the mushy consistentcy. Anybody know any good recipes?
I can't even eat instant oatmeal! I am looking for some recipes that use oatmeal. Like some kind of oatmeal bars, or something simular!

A. Have you tried baked oatmeal? It's a little firmer.
INGREDIENTS

* 3 cups rolled oats
* 1 cup brown sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup milk
* 2 eggs
* 1/2 cup melted butter
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 3/4 cup dried cranberries


DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Beat in milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir in dried cranberries. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes.

Original Question

How many mg of cholesterol can you have per day if you have high cholesterol?

Q. Some websites say 300 mg and some say 200 mg. Which one is correct?

This is for people with a high cholesterol level btw.

A. I checked too, and i read that if your cholesterol is 5,2 - 6,5 mmol/l then you can have 300 mg per day
If the cholesterol is 6,5 - 7,8 mmol/l then you can have 200mg per day.
if the cholesterol is up to 7,8 mmol/l then you can have 150 mg / day

I hope it helps!

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Do i have hyperlipidemia and obesity?

Q. so it wasnt long ago when i got blood out of me. i got a letter from the mail today saying im referred to a cardiology and nutritionist, and the near middle it saids this:
"Diagnosis: Obesity, Hyperlipidemia" , So do i have hyperlipidemia and obesity. Best Answer Get Max Points. Thank you for responding.
So by you saying yes i do have it but it can be diagnosis.

A. Hyperlipidemia is just a fancy name for high cholesterol. So, you are apparently overweight and have high cholesterol - these two things usually occur together and both are usually diet-related.

Original Question

How does hypertention, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, participate in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis?

Q.

A. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherosclerosis
Cigarette-endothelial dysfunction and a relatively hypercoagulable state
hypertention-morphologic alterations of the arterial intima and functional alterations of the endothelium
hyperlipidemia- Endothelial injury
Bottom line- All risk factors cause endothelial dysfunction which is the earliest manifestation of atherosclerosis

Original Question

a study reported that the prevalence of hyperlipidemia is 30% in children 2 to 6 years of age. if 12 children?

Q. are analyzed: a) what is probability that at least 3 are hyperlipidemia? b) what is the probability that exactly 3 are hyperlipidemic? and c) how many would be expected to meet the criteria for hyperlipidemia?

A. a. ANSWER: PROBABILITY = 0.75 at least 3 are hyperlipidemia

Why???

BINOMIAL DISTRIBUTION, POPULATION PROPORTION
n = NUMBER OF TRIALS [ 12] (sample size)
k = NUMBER OF SUCCESSES [2] (from 0 up to and including k NUMBER OF SUCCESSES)
p = POPULATION PROPORTION [30%]

significant digits2

COMPUTATION OF BINOMIAL PROPORTION:
P(k => 3) = 1 - P(k ⤠2) = 1 - n!/[k!*(n - k)!] * p^k * (1 - p)^(n - k)
0.75 = 12!/[2!*(12 - 2)!] * 0.3^2 * (1 - 0.3)^(12 - 2)

ALTERNATIVE COMPUTATION USING EXCEL:
"Look-up" value of PROBABILITY = 0.75 = 1 - BINOMDIST ( 2 , 12 , 30/100 , TRUE )
"Using Excel function: BINOMDIST(number_s, trials, probability_s, cumulative)
Number_s is the number of successes in trials. [ 12 ]
Trials is the number of independent trials. [ 2 ]
Probability_s is the probability of success on each trial. [ 30]"

Cumulative is a logical value that determines the form of the function. If cumulative is TRUE, then BINOMDIST returns the cumulative distribution function, which is the probability that there are at most number_s successes; if FALSE, it returns the probability mass function, which is the probability that there are number_s successes.



b. ANSWER: PROBABILITY = 0.24 exactly 3 are hyperlipidemic

Why???

BINOMIAL DISTRIBUTION, POPULATION PROPORTION
n = NUMBER OF TRIALS [ 12] (sample size)
k = NUMBER OF SUCCESSES [3] (Exactly 3 NUMBER OF SUCCESSES)
p = POPULATION PROPORTION [30%]

significant digits2

COMPUTATION OF BINOMIAL PROPORTION:
P(k = 3) = n!/[k!*(n - k)!] * p^k * (1 - p)^(n - k)
0.24 = 12!/[3!*(12 - 3)!] * 0.3^3 * (1 - 0.3)^(12 - 3)

ALTERNATIVE COMPUTATION USING EXCEL:
"Look-up" value of PROBABILITY = 0.24 =BINOMDIST ( 3 , 12 , 30/100 , FALSE )
"Using Excel function: BINOMDIST(number_s, trials, probability_s, cumulative)
Number_s is the number of successes in trials. [ 12 ]
Trials is the number of independent trials. [ 3 ]
Probability_s is the probability of success on each trial. [ 30]"

Cumulative is a logical value that determines the form of the function. If cumulative is TRUE, then BINOMDIST returns the cumulative distribution function, which is the probability that there are at most number_s successes; if FALSE, it returns the probability mass function, which is the probability that there are number_s successes.



c. ANSWER: (approx) 4 children expected to be hyperlipidemic

Why???
SAMPLE SIZE * POPULATION PROPORTION = EXPECTED [12 * 0.3 = (approx) 4]

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

What is the best way to reduce the triglyceride levels without damaging the liver by taking Lopid?

Q. My triglyceride levels are up to 450. I am not obese I just don't exercise at all. I have been getting away from carbs all together, is that good?

A. These web sites give more information http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/triglycerides.htm and http://cholesterol.freesourcenow.com/triglyceride-levels.html

Original Question

What is the difference between a triglyceride and a phospholipid?

Q. What is the difference between a triglyceride and a phospholipid? How does this difference account for the hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature of phospholipids?

A. I'm doing this at A-level now, are you?

We did this today...

A Phospholipid is Glycerol + 2 Fatty acids + 1 Phosphoric Acid

In a condensation reaction, this produces 1 phospholipid, and 3 water molecules.

The phosphate part of this has OH groups, which can form hydrogen bonds with water.
The fatty acid parts don't have Oh groups, so they are hydrophobic.

A triglyceride is made up of glycerol + 3 fatty acids (the phosphoric acid is replaced by another fatty acid, in comparison to the formula for phospholipid).

Because the phosphate part contained the OH group in the phospholipid, and it is absent in this molecule, triglyceride can not form hydrogen bonds, and so is hydrophobic.

hope this helps, i know research can be tricky, often there's either not enough, or too much more advanced information.

Original Question

What can I do as a woman after menapause do to improve on my Cholesterol and Triglyceride blood results?

Q. In April 2006 my blood work showed: Cholesterol 167.6; Triglyceride 220.4 and HDL 38.1. I am talking Lipitor during both of these blood tests.
In October 2006 my blook work showed: Cholesterol 211.1; Triglyceride 143.7 and HDL 48.5.
I listed the HDL because I was afraid the Lipitor was effecting my Good Cholestrol count.
I'm looking for someone that can tell me why my cholestrol went up this time and triglycerides went down and what is my next course of action.

A. Eat cabbage, oatmeal, apples, etc. for soluble fiber and of course some type of exercise.

Also, here's some all-natural supplements that are very effective.

OmegaGuard: reduces the risk of heart disease/stroke, lowers triglycerides and cholesterol

Soluble Fiber (e.g. Fiber Plan): prevents fat absorption; reduces stress on heart by minimizing fat accumulation

Lecithin: converts serum cholesterol to good HDL

CoQHeart: Reduces LDL oxidation

Garlic Complex: prevents clotting; dilates small blood vessels; dissolves fatty deposits & thins blood

Hope this is useful and feel free to contact me with questions.

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

If someone has hyperlipidemia, how soon after a blood draw can you see the lipids in their blood?

Q. I'm doing a case study on a patient with hyperlipidemia, among other things, and I found a photo of a vial of blood showing the lipids sitting at the top of the vial. It states that this photo was taken 4 hrs after the blood was drawn & I'm wondering if it has to sit for that long to be visible?

A. It is correct as soon as the blood starts to separate and settle or clot and separate, which begins immediately in around a half an hour you have pretty good separation, but we don't spin the blood down for 30 minutes (not when you need to get a result out in an hour)-5-10 minutes is more like it.

Original Question

Do i have hyperlipidemia and obesity?

Q. so it wasnt long ago when i got blood out of me. i got a letter from the mail today saying im referred to a cardiology and nutritionist, and the near middle it saids this:
"Diagnosis: Obesity, Hyperlipidemia" , So do i have hyperlipidemia and obesity. Best Answer Get Max Points. Thank you for responding.
So by you saying yes i do have it but it can be diagnosis.

A. Hyperlipidemia is just a fancy name for high cholesterol. So, you are apparently overweight and have high cholesterol - these two things usually occur together and both are usually diet-related.

Original Question

How does hypertention, hyperlipidemia, and smoking, participate in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis?

Q.

A. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atherosclerosis
Cigarette-endothelial dysfunction and a relatively hypercoagulable state
hypertention-morphologic alterations of the arterial intima and functional alterations of the endothelium
hyperlipidemia- Endothelial injury
Bottom line- All risk factors cause endothelial dysfunction which is the earliest manifestation of atherosclerosis

Original Question

Powered by Yahoo! Answers