Page 5 - healthybody

Cholesterol is needed by our bodies for our cells, nerves and brain. It is also

important in forming hormones and enzymes. We make all the cholesterol we
need in our livers. We get cholesterol from the foods we eat, too. Since every

animal has a liver, when we eat foods made from animal products (fish, eggs,,

milk, beef or cheese) we eat cholesterol. If we make too much cholesterol or eat

too many foods that contain cholesterol or saturated fat, the level of cholesterol

in the blood increases. The higher our blood cholesterol, the higher our chances

of developing heart disease. Eating less fat, less saturated fat, and less

cholesterol will all help lower blood cholesterol.Cutting the amount of

cholesterol we eat may only have a small effect on blood cholesterol. To cut

down on cholesterol, we can eat more plant foods as sources of protein instead

of meat. Eat legumes like black beans, lentils, black-eyed peas and kidney beans

instead of meat and poultry.