Cholesterol and its origin
Cholesterol is a waxy substance which is made in the body by the liver but is also found in some foods. It plays a vital role in how every cell works and is also needed to make Vitamin D, some hormones and bile for digestion. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of getting heart and circulatory diseases.
Types of cholesterol
Cholesterol is carried in the blood attached to proteins called lipoproteins .There are two main forms of cholesterol
- LDL(Low Density Lipoprotein)
- HDL(high density lipoprotein)
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad cholesterol” because too much of it becomes unhealthy. HDL is often referred to as “good cholesterol” because it is protective. Knowing your levels of LDL and HDL can help determine your risk of heart disease. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a simple blood test.
How we get cholesterol?
Most of our cholesterol is made by the liver, but we get some and in some cases a lot from our diet as well. Butter, Ghee, Hard margarines, Lard, dripping and goose fat, Fatty meat and meat products such as sausages, Full fat cheese, milk, cream and yogurt, Coconut and palm oils and coconut cream these are some foods among many others which increases our cholesterol levels
Who are affected most by Cholesterol?
You are more likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. Many other factors also play a part including:
- the genes you inherit
- your dietand lifestyle
- your weight
- whether you are male or female
- your age
- your ethnicity
- your medical history
Having unhealthy cholesterol levels alongside other risk factors for heart and circulatory disease such as smoking or high blood pressure can put you at very high risk of early heart disease.
Prevention of cholesterol
Cholesterol problems are very common these days. However, cholesterol and its associated disorders can be prevented. Leading a healthy lifestyle, and regular workout can help keep your cholesterol in a healthy range and lower your risk for heart disease and stroke. Maintain a healthy diet and an overall healthy weight range, get adequate physical activity and limit smoking and alcohol consumption.
Choosing healthy meal and snack options can help you avoid high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eating foods low in saturated fats, Trans fat, and cholesterol as well as foods high in fiber, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats can help prevent and manage high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while increasing “good” high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
The excess of everything is bad. Cholesterol although being imperative for one’s health becomes a killer when becomes too much in the body. Be aware of your body and its needs and strive towards being both physically and emotionally healthy.
