It amazes me every day how many different benefits are being researched in conjunction with trans-resveratrol. As someone who is currently on medication to control cholesterol levels I am encouraged by the research in non-synthetic based treatment solutions. The side effects of statins and other cholesterol drugs can be severe, so much so, that many people aren't able to control their levels with drugs. With the lack of any proven negative side-effects from t-res I am hopeful it will help control cholesterol levels for those unable to take meds and for those not interested in taking synthetic drugs.
This post will be a 3 part series focusing on the following:
Part 1: What is Cholesterol?
Part 2: A review - Resveratrol related cholesterol studies.
Part 3: My personal cholesterol experience.
Interestingly enough I never really knew much about cholesterol until about a year ago. I knew it ran "high" in my family and that there was a history of heart disease in the lineage but I never really paid much attention to it. It was common for me to say to myself, "the doctor will just tell you what you need to do and prescribe you meds" or I would say, "your too young to be worried about this!"
Well, those statements sure are naive and immature! I'm smarter then that and so are you. If you have similar thoughts take notice now. If you were proactive in your cholesterol education then kudos to you. Cholesterol is commonly talked about for a reason: high levels can be the cause of serious diseases, including the most common "heart disease."
Cholesterol isn't a sexy part of our bodies cellular make-up but it is necessary. Cholesterol is a soft, fatty like substance known as a lipid (any fat-soluble naturally occurring molecule) that is transported throughout our bodies via blood plasma. Cholesterol is not always bad and is needed by our bodies to help produce cell membranes, aid in the metabolization of certain vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and it produces some of our bodies hormones.
Cholesterol is not able to dissolve in blood and therefore is transported throughout the body by carriers called lipoproteins. The two most common types are known as LDL and HDL cholesterol:
LDL: Low-density Lipoprotein (the bad stuff, boooh) - this type can cause build up along your artery walls in the form of plaque. The higher your LDL level the greater your chance for heart disease. LDL is mainly made up of fat and has very little protein in it.
HDL: High-density Lipoprotein (the good stuff, yaayy) - this type helps us remove the bad (LDL) cholesterol from our blood.
Triglycerides are a type of fat that store our excess... you know the excess we take into our bodies like sweets, sugars, extra calories, and alcohol. When these "extras" are consumed they are converted into triglycerides and stored as fat cells.
HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides are what make up the traditional "Lipid Panel" or "Lipoprotein Profile" blood test. Your doctor will most likely prescribe this test when checking your cholesterol as part of a routine (every 5 years under 35 and every 1-2 years over) examination. Note: If you've never gotten one please take the time to do so. While your at it get a full blood work-up since you most likely haven't had one done in a while.
Cholesterol Levels & Ranges: (Source - American Heart Association)
HDL Levels -
Average range in men = 40 to 50 mg/dL
Average in women = 50 to 60 mg/dL
Less then 40 in men and 50 in women puts you at higher risk for heart disease.
Over 60 mg/dL can help prevent heart disease.
LDL Levels -
Under 100mg/dL = Optimal
100 to 129 mg/dL = Near Optimal
130 to 159 mg/dL = Borderline High
160 to 189 mg/dL = High
190mg/dL and above = Very High
Triglyceride Levels -
Normal = less than 150 mg/dL
Borderline-High = 150-199 mg/dL
High = 200-499 mg/dL
Very High = 500 mg/dL and up
Total Cholesterol -
Less than 200 = Desirable
200-239 = Borderline High
240 and above = High
There are numerous guides and articles out there explaining what cholesterol is and how it affects us. I hope this summary helps you to understanding the basics. You can find more information by following the links below.
Cholesterol Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholesterol
http://knol.google.com/k/robert-rosenson/hdl-cholesterol/16f690dufrncz/3?locale=en#
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=1516
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipid
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipoprotein
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triglycerides
http://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/guide/cholesterol-basics
http://knol.google.com/k/robert-rosenson/high-cholesterol/16f690dufrncz/2#
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