Everything You Need to Know About Cholesterol
Do you know what your levels are?
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September Is National Cholesterol Education Month - This month commemorates National Cholesterol Education Month. Read more about what it is, how high levels of it affects African-Americans and what you can do to prevent unhealthy levels of cholesterol. —Kellee Terrell(Photo: Picturenet/GettyImages)
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What Is Cholesterol? - Cholesterol is a waxy substance that comes from our foods, our bodies and our liver, says the American Heart Association. Our bodies make enough cholesterol, but if you eat foods high in cholesterol and trans fats, the liver makes more cholesterol. This can make us more vulnerable to heart disease and other chronic conditions. (Photo: Garo/Cobis)
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The Tea on “Bad” Cholesterol - “Bad” cholesterol, also known as LDL (low-density lipoprotein), is called that because this type of sticky cholesterol that clogs up your arteries if you have too much in your blood. The higher your LDL levels, the more unhealthy it is. Fried food and junk food can raise your LDL levels. (Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
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Why Clogged Arties Are Bad - Clogged arteries, also called arterial plaque, can restrict the amount oxygen that flows into your heart by creating blockages. (Photo: Stocktrek Images/Corbis)
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Understanding “Good” Cholesterol - “Good” cholesterol, also known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is called this because it helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from your blood. It finds the LDL and whisks it away. Having a good level of HDL can protect you against diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Salmon, tuna, veggies and nuts are foods with healthy fats that can boost your HDL. (Photos from left: Tetra Images/GettyImages, Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
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