Is it possible to have no cholesterol

Recipes for a cholesterol-free diet. There are two main types of cholesterol circulating in the blood: low-density lipoprotein LDL , or bad cholesterol high-density lipoprotein HDL , or good cholesterol In this article, we examine the idea of a cholesterol-free diet and whether it is effective. Is a cholesterol-free diet healthful?

Share on Pinterest As a vegan diet significantly reduces saturated fat intake, it may be a good diet option for someone looking to lower their cholesterol. Common themes. Vegan diet. Mediterranean diet.

The TLC Diet. When to see a doctor. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Related Coverage. Does 'bad' cholesterol deserve its bad name? A new study challenges the long-held belief that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol causes heart disease, and that statins benefit cardiovascular… READ MORE. Foods high in cholesterol: What to know Eating a healthy diet is one way to keep cholesterol levels in check.

What causes high cholesterol? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, MD. Dietary cholesterol is found only in animal food sources, such as eggs, meat, and poultry. High LDL levels may be lowered by medications, such as statins, as well as regular exercise and a healthy diet.

In fact, lower cholesterol is better than high cholesterol most of the time. While the exact effects of low cholesterol on health are still being studied, researchers are concerned about how low cholesterol appears to negatively affect mental health. An Duke University study of healthy young women found that those with low cholesterol were more likely to have symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Researchers suggest that because cholesterol is involved in making hormones and vitamin D, low levels may affect the health of your brain. Vitamin D is important for cell growth. A study presented at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Sessions found a possible relationship between low cholesterol and cancer risk.

The process that affects cholesterol levels could affect cancer, but more research is needed on the topic. One other concern about low cholesterol involves women who may become pregnant. If you tend to have low cholesterol, talk with your doctor about what you should do in this case. For people with high LDL cholesterol, there are often no symptoms until a heart attack or stroke occurs. Depression and anxiety can spring from many causes, including possibly low cholesterol.

Symptoms of depression and anxiety include:. Risk factors for low cholesterol include having a family history of the condition, being on statins or other blood pressure treatment programs, and having untreated clinical depression. The only way to properly diagnose your cholesterol levels is through a blood test.

Total cholesterol is determined by adding LDL and HDL and 20 percent of your triglycerides, which are another type of fat in your bloodstream. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health? Preventing preeclampsia may be as simple as taking an aspirin. Caring for an aging parent?

Tips for enjoying holiday meals. A conversation about reducing the harms of social media. Menopause and memory: Know the facts. How to get your child to put away toys. Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy?

Commit to getting your cholesterol checked this year so you know your numbers and your risk for heart disease and stroke. Fact: Some types of cholesterol are essential for good health. Your body needs cholesterol to perform important jobs, such as making hormones and building cells.

Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. Two types of lipoproteins carry cholesterol throughout the body:. When your body has too much LDL cholesterol, it can build up in the walls of your blood vessels. This buildup is called plaque. As your blood vessels build up plaque over time, the insides of the vessels narrow.

This narrowing can restrict and eventually block blood flow to and from your heart and other organs. When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it can cause angina chest pain or a heart attack. Fact: High cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms.