Cholesterol awareness month kicks off

By Sarah Arkin

Published: September 7, 2008

With September designated as National Cholesterol Month, the American Heart Association and local dieticians have shed some light on good cholesterol, bad cholesterol and how to stay healthy.

Cholesterol is a naturally occurring waxy, fatty-like substance and is necessary for normal bodily functions. Concerns about cholesterol come from the extra cholesterol people get in their diets and the serious health complications it can cause.

Too much cholesterol tends to cause hardening of the arteries, which then blocks blood supply, according to medical experts. Blocking blood supply to the brain causes stroke, while blocking the flow to the heart can cause a heart attack.

“Our bodies actually produce all the cholesterol we need. We don’t have to consume any to get what we need,” said Caron Sharp, a dietician at Danville Regional Medical Center.

An essential function of cholesterol is aiding in bile production, which helps aid digestion, she said. Cholesterol also produces male and female hormones, and acts as a binder or cover for cells.

Extra cholesterol usually comes from any kind of animal products, along with other foods. On its Web site, the American Heart Association points out that while many foods say they are cholesterol free, a lot of cholesterol comes from saturated fats and trans fat.

“We recommend for patients to limit saturated fats and trans fatty acids — the transfat,” to help monitor cholesterol, Sharp said. “Obviously, you don’t want to over-consume animal products because they’re so high in cholesterol.”

Any type of fat that is solid at room temperature is likely to be high in saturated fat or transfat, including Crisco, shortening, solid margarine, bacon fat and the marbling on red meat, she said.

Some eating habits, though, can actually help with reducing bad cholesterol, according to many medical sources.

High-fiber foods, including whole grain breads, cereal and oats, are particularly good. Sharp recommends 20 to 30 grams per day.

Certain oils are high in mono-unsaturated “good fat.” including canola and olive oil. Most experts recommend using these types of oils instead of vegetable oil.

When eating out, even when eating vegetables, people should watch out, Sharp said. She suggests avoiding buttery, sautéed foods, hollandaise sauce, as well as foods prepared “au gratin,” which are foods cooked or baked with a topping of either browned bread crumbs and butter or grated cheese.

Two non-food-related habits affect good levels of cholesterol the most, experts said. The best thing people can do to keep those levels up is to “increase exercise and quit smoking,” Sharp said.

Contact Sarah Arkin at or (434) 791-7983.