Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat that is produced by your liver and also comes from food. Different types of cholesterol perform necessary cell functions in your body. Too much bad cholesterol can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
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DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)
DHA is one of the most active natural components in omega-3 fatty acid, found primarily in fish and shellfish.
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Dietary Supplement
Dietary supplements are foods you can buy in any grocery or health food store. They do not undergo the same strict U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews for safety and effectiveness as prescription medicines.
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EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)
EPA is another active, natural component in omega-3 fatty acid that is found in fish and shellfish.
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Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are nutrients important to good health. Since your body cannot make them naturally, you must get them from dietary sources instead. The two families of essential fatty acids are omega-3 and omega-6.
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HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
HDL is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps transport "bad" cholesterol to your liver where it is eliminated from your body. The higher your HDL level, the better.
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Hydrogenated Fats
Hydrogenated fats are fats that have undergone a chemical process, and can be found in products like margarine and shortening.
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LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
LDL is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because excessive amounts in the body can lead to a heart attack of stroke. Your doctor can take steps to lower your LDL level if it's too high.
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Lipid
Lipid is a general term for the types of fat that travel through your bloodstream. The most common lipids in your body are cholesterol and triglycerides.
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Lipoprotein
Lipoproteins are water-soluble molecules that carry cholesterol through the blood. The cholesterol is then used as energy. There are three types of lipoproteins your doctor may talk to you about: high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).
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Omega-3s
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids important to your good health. Your body does not produce enough omega-3s, so it's important to try and get them through dietary sources; omega-3s can be found in fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel. However, if diet is not enough to maintain a healthy triglyceride level, you may want to discuss treatment options for lowering very high triglycerides with your doctor.
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Prescription Medication
A prescription medication is a drug or medicine that has passed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's strict review and approval process
based on demonstrated safety and efficacy.
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Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are found in everything from animal products and snack foods to some plant foods like coconut oil and cocoa butter.
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Trans-Fatty Acids
Trans-fatty acids can be found in animal products like beef, pork, and lamb. They can also be found in hydrogenated products like margarine, shortening, and some cooking oils.
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Triglycerides
Like cholesterol, triglycerides are a type of fat in your bloodstream. When you eat, some of the calories you consume are used for energy and others are converted to triglycerides and stored. The presence of too many triglycerides in your blood can cause health problems.
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