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Cholesterol Glossary Atherosclerosis: Also known as "harding of the arteries", this is caused by the presence of excess cholesterol in the blood. The excess cholesterol accumulates on the lining of the blood vessels and forms a sticky, yellowish, thick plaque. This plaque can thicken to the point that it causes a blockage in the vessel, or part of it can break off and block another vessel in the body. Cholesterol Profile: A blood test taken in your physician's office that gives you a reading for your total cholesterol, VLDL (sometimes), LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Essential fatty acids These fats must be obtained through your diet in order to maintain the architecture of cell membranes. They are in foods and are also used as a component in the production of eicosanoids, a type of hormone used by the body to help regulate blood pressure, blood clot formation, and immune function. High Density Lipoproteins: High density lipoprotein, also known as HDL, is considered the "good" cholesterol. HDL is produced by the liver to carry cholesterol and other lipids (fats) from tissues and organs back to the liver for recycling or degradation. High levels of HDL are a good indicator of a healthy heart, because less cholesterol is available in your blood to attach to blood vessels and cause plaque formation. Hydrogenated fats: During hydrogenation, hydrogen atoms are added back to polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats to protect against rancidity from bacteria or air exposure. As a consequence, this process causes hydrogenated fats to become saturated fats. If a food label states the words partially hydrogenated oils among its first ingredients, that means that it contains alot of trans-fatty acids and saturated fats which are both bad for your health. Low Density Lipoproteins: Low density lipoproteins, also referred to as LDL, is known as the "bad cholesterol". LDLs are produced by the liver and carry cholesterol and other lipids (fats) from the liver to different areas of the body, like muscles, tissues, organs, and the heart. It is very important to keep LDL levels low, because high levels of LDL indicate that there is much more cholesterol in the blood stream than necessary, therefore increasing your risk of heart disease. Monounsaturated fats: This type of fat lowers "bad cholesterol", LDL, and leaves the "good cholesterol" HDL levels the same. These are usually liquid at room temperature. When looking at their molecular structure, there are two hydrogen atoms missing with a double bond between two carbon atoms replacing them. Monounsaturated fats include canola oil and olive oil. The Omega-6 fatty acid family: This is also a group of essential fatty acids that includes linolenic acid. Common sources include vegetable oils, meats, grains, seeds, and vegetables. These help to lower your LDL levels and raise your HDL levels, so they are very beneficial for your overall cholesterol and heart health. There is a supplement of linolenic acid available at your local pharmacy for people who feel they do not get enough of this through their diet. Polyunsaturated fats: This type of fat tends to lower both LDL and HDL levels (remember--we want to keep high levels of HDL). These are liquid at room temperature and typically have more than two hydrogen atoms missing. Polyunsaturated fats include safflower oil, sunflower oil and corn oil.
Special thanks to About.com:
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