What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found naturally in the blood. Predominantly produced in the liver, but also found in foods such as red meat, high fat cheese, butter and eggs, Cholesterol is essential for maintaining good health and only becomes a problem when the level in your blood is too high.
Raised cholesterol is a common problem and a risk factor in the development of coronary heart disease, however a visit to your GP and following a healthy diet and lifestyle can help to lower cholesterol levels and will significantly reduce the risk.
Good & bad cholesterol
Cholesterol is transported around the blood in 'vehicles' called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins:
LDL (low density lipoprotein) is the 'bad' type of cholesterol. If there is too much LDL cholesterol in the blood, it can slowly build in the arteries, making them narrower which increases the risk of coronary heart diseases. You should aim to lower your levels of LDL by eating healthily and introducing Benecol® foods, with Plant Stanol Ester into your diet.
HDL (high density lipoprotein) is the 'good' type of cholesterol. It helps to remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and returns it to the liver where it is broken down and passed out of the body.
Improve your HDL level while having fun.
Take a look at our Outdoor Activity Guide for some ideas.
Bad cholesterol (LDL)
Sticks to artery walls and causes plaque build-up, narrowing arteries
Good cholesterol (HDL)
Carries bad cholesterol to the liver for disposal and stops it building up in arteries
The Cho-less-terol plan
If you are looking to lower your cholesterol, then you've come to the right place. Together, we'll help you make managing your cholesterol as easy and as effective as possible.
Why not get started now and sign up to The Cho-less-terol plan, written in conjunction with HEART UK - The Cholesterol Charity, this 3 week plan will give advice about how you can lower your cholesterol through a healthy diet and lifestyle as well as tips and tools to keep it low for good!