Daily Cholesterol Allowance

The daily cholesterol allowance needs to be monitored
carefully to ensure that you do not increase the levels
of bad cholesterol.  A diet high in cholesterol will lead
to heart disease.

Why do we need Cholesterol ?

The human body in fact needs cholesterol to function properly.  However, only small
amounts are needed by the body to enable the body's cells and organs to remain
healthy.

Despite cholesterol being needed by the body, high levels of bad cholesterol will
lead to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.  This can be
a killer.

It is therefore essential to know what levels of cholesterol the body needs and how
to avoid suffering from high levels of bad cholesterol.

How does cholesterol occur ?

Cholesterol naturally occurs within the liver.  Cholesterol also enters the body from
your diet.  This enters the bloodstream.  High levels of cholesterol then build up on
the walls of the arteries causing the arteries to clog up or block.

In fact, the cholesterol levels which are naturally produced by the body's liver are
sufficient to enable the body to function properly.  This is provided of course that
your liver is working sufficiently.

It is therefore necessary to limit the daily intake of dietary cholesterol.

A diet which is high in cholesterol and which exceeds the recommended daily
cholesterol allowances will increasethe chance of heart disease.

How much cholesterol per day ?

A healthy individual with no existing health problems should aim to consume less
than 300g of cholesterol on a daily basis.  An individual with known heart problems
should not consume more than 200g of cholesterol daily.

It is easier to control your daily cholesterol allowances if you are aware what types
of food are both high and low in cholesterol.

Saturated fats increase the body's cholesterol levels.  For example, foods containing
saturated fats are dairy products, cakes, chocolates, cheese and red meat.  To
maintain a health diet it is essential to eat these foods in moderation and limit their
consumption where possible.

Dressings, dips and sauces which are often added to food will also increase
cholesterol levels.

Essential fats

Some fats are however essential for a healthy body.  Fats will maintain healthy skin
and are essential to maintain a healthy brain.

Good alternatives are those foods containing unsaturated fats such as fish,
wheat grains,fruit and vegetables.  These types of foods form the basis of a healthy
lifestyle. Fish in particularly contains good levels of Omega fats.

There are interactive tools  and programmes which are available which will help you
to calculate and monitor your daily cholesterol intake.

There are of course dietary supplements which can be taken which can help to reduce
high levels of cholesterol.