One food that is often misunderstood as far as cholesterol is concerned is seafood.

A certain amount of cholesterol is needed in the body to help with the integrity of cellular membranes. Cell membranes need to be permeable to some substances that benefit the cells and also to bar other substances.

There are three numbers that make up your total cholesterol number: LDL, HDL and triglycerides. The HDL number represents the “good cholesterol.” This type keeps vessel walls smooth so that plaques don’t stick and decrease the size of the blood vessels.

The LDL number represents “bad cholesterol.” The walls of vessels become affected by sticky plaques made up of a type of cholesterol that can adhere to the inside of the vessels.

High triglyceride levels can increase the adherence of plaques. They are fats in the blood that are acceptable in smaller levels, but in large quantities they can make lumens of vessels smaller. This can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Seafood Misconception

Many people avoid seafood such as shrimp, lobster and other shellfish and seafood because they think it will raise cholesterol levels. In fact, some seafood contains cholesterol, but it is a kind that will benefit you. ALA, an omega-3 fatty acid, is found in fish and other seafood. The body uses omega-3 fatty acids to increase cardiovascular health, reduce stroke, and help with nervous system development.

Here is how each type of seafood can help your body.

* Shrimp – Won’t raise cholesterol levels. If your levels are normal, they will stay that way.

* Crabs, clams – Work to lower LDL levels in the blood.

* Mussels, oysters – Lower LDL and also raise HDL levels to increase good cholesterol.

* Fish – Increases HDL levels.

Moderation

Just like with other foods, eating in moderation is better than overeating. Eating two or three servings of seafood a week can provide you will the amount of good cholesterol that the body needs. The recommended level is about 300 mg per day.

Be careful, though, as the cholesterol profile of seafood will change when other foods such as sauces and butter are introduced. This increases the amount of omega-6 fatty acids which are known to help increase LDL cholesterol stores. Try healthy ways to prepare your seafood for more of the omega-3 fatty acid benefit.

If you love to eat seafood, but have been avoiding it because of cholesterol concerns, now you know that seafood can help your cholesterol levels.