Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is made by the liver. Cholesterol is part of every cell within the body and performs many vital functions. Our bodies need cholesterol in order to:

• Maintain healthy cell walls
• Produce hormones (the body's chemical transmitters)
• Make vitamin D
• Produce bile acids, which aid in the digestion of fat

Sometimes, however, our bodies produce more cholesterol than it needs, and in time this excess cholesterol builds up and circulates in the bloodstream. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can block blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Only animal-based foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products contain cholesterol. Plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains do not contain cholesterol. Vegetarians, particularly vegans, generally maintain balanced cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is carried around the body by proteins.  The combination of proteins and cholesterol are called lipoproteins; there are two main types of lipoproteins, they are;

• Low density protein or LDL; termed the harmful cholesterol

• High density protein or HDL; known as the good, protective cholesterol

Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, giving up smoking and relaxing more will all contribute to a lowering of cholesterol. A simple and effective step toward a healthy heart is to include cholesterol lowering foods in a balanced diet.  To do this we must cut down on harmful [saturated fat] cholesterol and choose instead the more friendly [monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats] cholesterol.  Reviewing and modifying our methods of cooking food will also play a part in the overall lowering of cholesterol.  Grilling, boiling, and baking are a far healthier option than frying in fat or oil.  Dairy products should also be reviewed.  

But remember, all fats contain calories, and it’s important to limit how much you consume to maintain a healthy weight.

Plant sterols are part of a plant’s cell membrane or structure. They are found naturally in many vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.  The more plant sterols present in your diet, the less cholesterol you ingest, with the blood level absorption of the bile cholesterol secreted into the gut by your liver, reduced. The more plant sterols present in your diet, the less cholesterol you absorb.

These chemical compounds work by blocking the amount of cholesterol that is absorbed in the body’s digestive tract.

Animal cholesterol and plant sterols are very similar in composition, which allows plant sterols to "trick" the body into processing them instead of cholesterol. Eventually this can lead to lower total blood cholesterol levels. So, in effect you could be improving your cholesterol level each time you eat.  However, eating plant sterol rich foods is only beneficial to lowering cholesterol levels when part of a balanced diet.

Quantity of food intake will of course also affect cholesterol levels.  If we eat excessively; albeit cooked without saturated fats, we will do little to reduce cholesterol or indeed calorie intake.  

The growing popularity of Hoodia has provided an alternative, proven method of regulating calorie and, by association, cholesterol levels in young and old alike.  Ancient tribes of the Kalahari Desert have been using Hoodia for thousands of years when embarking upon long arduous hunting trips, where food was scarce and the ability to sustain the hunt was necessary.  Just Hoodia is a leading supplier of good quality Hoodia offering advice together with an efficient and fast service.