CHOLESTEROL
  • Is a waxy substance that is produced mostly in the liver. 
  • Is essential for the structure of cell membranes and the manufacture of Vitamin D and certain hormones.
  • Is used in the production of bile acids that are needed for the digestion of fat in the gut.
  • Contributes to hardening of the arteries. It accumulates on wall of the arteries, limiting the flow of blood to the heart.
  • There are two types of cholesterol carriers:-
  • HDL – high-density lipoprotein. This is the type of lipoprotein that removes cholesterol from the arteries
  • LDL – low-density lipoprotein. This is the type of lipoprotein that clogs up the arteries
It isn't the total cholesterol level that is important, but the percentage breakdown of  HDL  to LDL.  At least 23% of the total cholesterol should be HDL.  If this is the case the risk of heart disease should be low.  Exercise tends to raise the level of HDL in the blood.  Therefore an athlete may have  a total high cholesterol  level, but  their HDL  percentage is also likely to be higher.
Cholesterol we take in via food,  contrary to popular belief, does not  appear to affect blood cholesterol levels.  What it does do is affect the way the body disposes of cholesterol.  Saturated fats inhibit the body's ability to deal with LDL.  Mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats do not have as much of an effect.

This mean you should try to keep your intake of saturated fat to a minimum so that your body is able to deal with blood cholesterol effectively

How to cut down on fat
  • Eat less saturated fat  i.e. animal fats, and don't eat the skin
  • Use small amounts of saturated fat for cooking
  • Use low fat diary products e.g. semi-skimmed milk
  • Use low fat spreads
  • Grill and bake foods, instead of roasting and frying