What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a sterol (a combination steroid and alcohol). Cholesterol is a lipid found in the cell membranes of all tissues, and it is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. Because cholesterol is synthesized by all eukaryotes, trace amounts of cholesterol are also found in membranes of plants and fungi.The name originates from the Greek chole- (bile) and stereos (solid), and the chemical suffix -ol for an alcohol, as researchers first identified cholesterol in solid form in gallstones by Francois Poulletier de la Salle in 1769. However, it is only in 1815 that chemist Eugene Chevreul named the compound "cholesterine".[2]Most of the cholesterol is synthesized by the body and some has dietary origin. Cholesterol is more abundant in tissues which either synthesize more or have more abundant densely-packed membranes, for example, the liver, spinal cord and brain. It plays a central role in many biochemical processes, such as the composition of cell membranes and the synthesis of steroid hormones. Cholesterol is insoluble in blood, but is transported in the circulatory system bound to one of the varieties of lipoprotein, spherical particles which have an exterior composed mainly of water-soluble proteins. The main types, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) carry cholesterol from and to the liver.According to the lipid hypothesis, abnormally high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) and abnormal proportions of LDL and HDL are associated with cardiovascular disease by promoting atheroma development in arteries (atherosclerosis). This disease process leads to myocardial infarction (heart attack), stroke and peripheral vascular disease. As high LDL contributes to this process, it is termed "bad cholesterol", while high levels of HDL ("good cholesterol") offer a degree of protection. The balance can be redressed with exercise, a healthy diet, and sometimes medication.

blood cocoa high pressure
High blood pressure? Read on - On Line Opinion - 8/8/2007
BP is insidious however, as there are no symptoms of high blood pressure, . Drink hot cocoa. Enjoy a hot cup of cocoa half an hour before bedtime.

Chocolate, Dark Chocolate is Healthy Chocolate, Chocolate History
Eating more dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure. It contains a high percentage (up to 75%) of cocoa solids, and little (or no) added sugar.

High Blood Pressure: Forget Pills, Eat Chocolate
The cocoa beans were ground and mixed with water to produce a variety of If only I had high blood pressure then I'd have an excuse to indulge LOL,

Cocoa may improve brain's blood flow - Diet and nutrition- msnbc.com
Among the women given drinks of cocoa high in flavanols, studied the Cuna because those who live on native islands do not have high blood pressure.

Blood Pressure
Blood pressure news and research, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, Lowering blood pressure may be possible by foods that are rich in cocoa;

BBC NEWS | Health | Chocolate 'lowers' blood pressure
A small amount of dark chocolate could reduce blood pressure, consequences of consuming the high levels of fat and sugar associated with cocoa products.

Effects of Dark Chocolate on Insulin Sensitivity in People With
People between 21 and 65 years of age who have high blood pressure and are the effects of cocoa versus placebo on blood pressure, insulin sensitivity,

Dark chocolate flavonoids reduce high blood pressure
(NewsTarget) Cocoa reduces high blood pressure but tea does not, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Study says cocoa may lower blood pressure
WASHINGTON -- A cup of cocoa is more than comfort, it's akin to medicine for those with high blood pressure, says an analysis in the American Medical

Dark Chocolate May Reduce High Blood Pressure | Laurel on Health Food
Research published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that consuming cocoa reduces high blood pressure. News Target writes that researchers from

Antioxidants - Nutritional Information - HERSHEY'S
High-Blood Pressure. Two studies have tested cocoa or dark chocolate consumption in people with high blood pressure. In one study, both systolic and

Cocoa But Not Tea Linked To Blood Pressure Reduction
"Effect of Cocoa and Tea Intake on Blood Pressure: A Meta-analysis." . FDA Approves New Beta Blocker To Treat High Blood Pressure 19 Dec 2007

Cocoa, But Not Tea, May Lower Blood Pressure
Foods rich in cocoa appear to reduce blood pressure but drinking tea may not, with hypertension (high blood pressure) to eat more fruits and vegetables,

Cocoa Powder for High Blood Pressure
high blood pressure, insulin resistance, blood vessel dilation.

Chocolate Lowers Blood Pressure
But researchers say there are no current recommendations for people at risk for high blood pressure or heart disease to include polyphenol-rich cocoa and

Cocoa May Cut Blood Pressure
Cocoa might help curb blood pressure and lower death risk, new research shows. Common Treatments for Hypertension/High Blood Pressure

Dark Chocolate, Blood Pressure Prevention?
A new study shows that eating dark chocolate decreases blood pressure and improves Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids due to their high cocoa content,

Cocoa Intake Linked To Lower Blood Pressure, Reduced Risk Of Death
Cocoa, But Not Tea, May Lower Blood Pressure (Apr. 11, 2007) â” Foods rich death than those with high levels of pessimism, according to an article in .

Cocoa, But Not Tea, May Lower Blood Pressure
Foods rich in cocoa appear to reduce blood pressure but drinking tea may not, cocoa and 86 controls, 34 percent of whom had hypertension (high blood


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