Everyday, more things than you might imagine get in contact with your mouth, and most of them

surely taste good. Some people like it sweet, some salty, and oth ers fatty. While it is possible for you to taste and appreciate each one of the se substances, another one might have gotten trough for years, undetected. Chol esterol. Many know the name, but few are informed about it, nor are aware of th e severe effects it can have for your health. The word cholesterol comes from the greek word chole meaning bile and the word stereo s meaning solid, hard, stiff. First, lets define what is cholesterol. Cholesterol is a fat which is produced b y the liver and is crucial for normal body functioning. This fat is mainly found in the outer layer of every cell in our body and has many functions. This waxy and stiff fat is also transported in every human beings blood vessels. Cholest erol is carried all around our body in molecules that are named lipoproteins, an d two main types can be identified: The first is LDL, which relates to Low Density Lipoprotein. It is referred to b y people and doctors as the bad cholesterol. This type of lipoprotein carries c holesterol from the liver, from which it was produced and originated, and carrie s it to cells. Here is where the problem kicks in: if too much Low Density Lipo proteins is carried in our blood stream, a harmful buildup of this life threaten ing substance may occur. The lipoprotein might increase the risk of arterial an d heart decease if levels rise too high. The second one is HDL, High Density Lipoprotein. People refer to this one as be ing the good cholesterol. It actually does the opposite of what LDL does, HDL t akes the surplus of bad cholesterol away from the cells and into the liver, wher e it will be either broken down or expelled from the body as waste. Having high LDL cholesterol levels in your body is in any way good for, and may give way to more serious issues as: Atherosclerosis - narrowing of the arteries. Coronary heart diseases - an abnormality of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Heart attack - occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of heart mu scle is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. This causes your heart muscle to die. Angina - chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not ge t enough blood. Strokes - occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or vein, interrupting the fl ow to an area of the brain. Can also occur when a blood vessel breaks. Brain cel ls begin to die. To conclude, the best way to go is without any doubt prevention. Just as your o verall physical health, it doesnt go farther than simply exercising and eating go od foods. Remember, exercise daily, and eat fruits, fruits, fruits, and vegetab les. Replace your bus ride to McDonalds by a walk to the grocery store, and your on the right path!