Claudann Jones, Smith County AgriLife extension agent (Courtesy photo/Smith County)

Is your head spinning over the conflicting messages you hear about fat and cholesterol? That’s not surprising. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in animal-based foods that we eat and in our body’s cells. Our bodies need some cholesterol to function normally, however, we can make all the cholesterol our system needs. Cholesterol in the body is used to make hormones and vitamin D. It also plays a role in digestion.

There are three main types of cholesterol in the body:

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL. Often called “good” cholesterol, HDL helps to remove excess cholesterol from your body.

Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. LDL is the bad cholesterol. It can lead to a buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Very low-density lipoprotein, or VLDL. VLDL also tends to promote plaque buildup.

Another substance included in lipid lab tests is triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a specific type of fat in the blood. Certain risk factors may increase your risk of elevated triglycerides, such as excess body fat or uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes. Excess calories, especially from refined carbohydrates like added sugars, smoking and drinking alcohol also may increase triglycerides.

If there is too much cholesterol in the body, it builds up. The waxy buildup, called plaque, sticks to the insides of the arteries. As the arteries narrow and clog, it is difficult for the blood to flow through them. The blockage can lead to a blood clot, stroke or heart disease.

Many things may increase your risk for high cholesterol, including:

Genetics: High cholesterol runs in some families.

Age: As we age, our cholesterol levels rise.

Medicines: Certain drugs can elevate cholesterol levels.

Obesity: Individuals with an elevated body mass index are at greater risk for high cholesterol.

Diet: Consuming high quantities of saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol.

Inactivity: Activity helps to elevate HDL cholesterol.

Smoking: Tobacco products decrease HDL and increase LDL. The link between smoking and high cholesterol is greater for women.

Everyone with high cholesterol can benefit from a heart-healthy lifestyle. However, your doctor might also recommend additional support to manage your cholesterol levels, like a cholesterol-lowering drug, if your cholesterol is high because of genetics. For more information about Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health programs, contact Claudann Jones, Smith County Extension Agent for Family and Community Health at 903-590-2980 or email at cmjones@ag.tamu.edu. Like our Facebook page: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Smith County. Stay well and stay safe.