Maintain Cholesterol

Maintain Cholesterol

What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a Lipid Molecule that has a waxy appearance and is found in every cell of the body and has some important natural functions. It is manufactured by the body but can also be supplied in diet through food. Liver of the human body excretes the Cholesterol. The body makes enough Cholesterol by itself, so any dietary Cholesterol isn't needed. At normal levels, Cholesterol is an essential substance for the body's normal functioning.

What is Cholesterol? Eating foods that are high in Saturated fats (such as Butter, Ghee, Banaspati, Red meat, Lard, Deep fried foods, Whole milk and whole milk products, Cheese, Cream) can raise the level of cholesterol in the blood as well as many foods high in saturated fats are also high in Dietary Cholesterol. Certain health problems occur when there is too much Cholesterol in blood. High Cholesterol levels can be deposited in arteries of blood and can increase the risk of Heart Related Problems.

Types of Cholesterol High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: HDL Cholesterol is known as 'Good Cholesterol'. It protects against Heart Related Problems by lowering the extra Cholesterol in the blood arteries which can lower the chances of having Heart Attack or Stroke. Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: LDL Cholesterol is also called 'Bad Cholesterol' as it leads to formation of Lipids in the artery walls which can lead to Heart Related Problems. Very Low Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol: After releasing from the liver, VLDL Cholesterol helps to transport Triglycerides (a form of Lipid that is stored in the human body when it is excess) in the blood stream and is associated with an increased risk of heart problems.

Functions of Cholesterol Cholesterol plays a vital role in the function of each and every cell throughout the body. The major functions of Cholesterol in the human body are as follows: Cholesterol helps to form important hormones of the human body. Vitamin D is made from Cholesterol in the skin. Cholesterol is found in large amounts in brain tissues for normal brain functions. It helps to keep the structure of the cells of the body intact. Cholesterol helps to form Bile Acids in the liver which support indigestion of food in intestine of the body. It is vital for proper nerve functions.

Risk Factors of Cholesterol A variety of factors can affect the blood Cholesterol levels. These are as follows: Unhealthy Diet: Intake of high amounts of Saturated Fats, Trans Fats and Cholesterol rich food (like Butter, Ghee, Red Meat, Full Cream Products, Deep Fried foods) can increase the total Cholesterol levels in the blood of human body. Physical Inactivity: Physical inactivity can contribute to being Overweight or Obese which can increase Bad (LDL) Cholesterol levels that leads to Heart Related Problems. Overweight and Obesity: Too much of body weight can raise LDL Cholesterol and Triglyceride levels that lead to Heart Attack or Stroke.

Risk Factors of Cholesterol Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and consumption of Alcohol can lower the 'Good' (HDL) Cholesterol levels and increase the Triglyceride levels. Heredity: Genes of the human body play a vital role in influencing LDL Cholesterol levels in blood. Age & Gender: The Cholesterol levels of the blood rise as individuals get older. After the age of Menopause, women's LDL Cholesterol levels tend to rise. Medical Conditions & Medications: Some medical conditions (like Hypothyroidism, Liver or Kidney problems) and some medicines (like Steroids) may cause an elevation of 'Bad' Cholesterol and decrease 'Good' Cholesterol.

Effects of High Cholesterol Our bodies need healthy levels of Cholesterol to play important roles. But certain risk factors can increase Cholesterol levels in blood. High level of Cholesterol is a major factor in developing: Chest Pain (Angina) Atherosclerosis (Accumulation of 'Bad Cholesterol' on the walls of arteries and these deposits can reduce blood flow through arteries) Heart attack (It occurs when blood flow to part of heart is blocked by blood clot in the arteries) Stroke (It occurs when blood flow to part of brain is blocked by blood clot)

Maintenance of Cholesterol The main goal of maintaining Cholesterol level is to reduce the risk of developing Heart Related Problems or having a Heart Attack. There are some ways to maintain Cholesterol level which may be listed as follows: Proper Nutrition: A heart healthy diet that is low in Fatty and Oily foods and rich in Fibers and other Vitamins and Minerals (like Fruits, Vegetables and Wholegrain Cereals) is important to keep the Cholesterol level in a desirable range. Healthy fats such as Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA) rich sources (like Olive oil, Rice-bran oil, Soybean oil, Sunflower, Sesame oil, Flaxseeds, Almonds, Walnuts etc.) can increase the HDL Cholesterol and lower the LDL Cholesterol.

Maintenance of Cholesterol Regular Physical Activity: It can help to raise Good Cholesterol levels and lower LDL levels. This is especially important for individuals with high Triglyceride and/or low HDL levels who are Overweight or Obese. Weight Management: Overweight and Obese people are prone to high LDL Cholesterol level and loss of weight may help them to control it. Weight loss also helps to lower Triglycerides and raise Good Cholesterol levels. Medications: For maintaining Cholesterol level, apart from taking a heart healthy diet, doing regular exercises and maintaining a healthy weight, some may also need to take Cholesterol lowering medications. These medicines are effective when combined with a proper nutrition and regular physical activity. Quit Smoking and avoid Alcohol.

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