What Are Normal Levels of Cholesterol?If you’re concerned about your health, you are likely interested in what normal levels of cholesterol are. When considering cholesterol levels there are several things to look at such as:
Before getting into normal levels, let’s spend a moment defining cholesterol. Cholesterol has gotten a negative name in health because too much of it can cause heart disease and other problems, but many don’t realize that it is essential for health. Your body uses cholesterol to:
Your body produces this needed cholesterol in its liver. The important thing to know, however, is that your liver produces all the cholesterol you need, so you want to be sure to not include more through the foods you eat.
The primary number people have typically looked at for normal levels of cholesterol is their overall cholesterol. This number is a combination of your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (part of the National Institutes for Health) your overall number should be:
Recently attention has focused on more than just your overall number. When considering normal levels of cholesterol it is important to also look closely at the LDL and HDL levels. LDL is often referred to as the “bad cholesterol” because it can clog your arteries. This in turn leads to poor blood circulation and can result in heart disease. Your LDL level should be below 100 mg/dL. HDL cholesterol is good for you, so you want your normal levels of cholesterol to be at least 40 mg/dL. HDL is believed to actually help reduce cholesterol in your body and prevent heart attacks.
Finally, triglycerides are often tested also when considering normal levels of cholesterol. Triglycerides are blood fats; they are the chemical make-up of fat as it exists in foods and in your blood. While in and of itself it is not cholesterol, it works with cholesterol to elevate your risk for heart disease. Triglycerides are formed in your body when you process carbohydrates, and they also are eaten when you eat high-fat foods. When you eat foods that contain fats, and your body does not have an immediate need for the energy those fats provide, your body will turn the fat into triglycerides.
Your triglyceride level should be below 150 mg/dL. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program, levels between:
Normal levels of cholesterol are very important to your overall health, since levels too high can lead to heart disease. When considering your diet plan be sure to include foods that are low in cholesterol, or foods that help lower your cholesterol level. Also, follow these steps to lose even more weight.
Fortunately, a diet rich in low-cholesterol foods is also one that will help you be heart-healthy and lose weight. Read more in this section about what food choices are your best options when considering cholesterol.
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