Maansi Survival Aid Foundation

Cholesterol : Good or Bad ?

Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance produced in the liver and is a component of all body cells. The body naturally makes all cholesterol it needs to make cell membranes, hormones, Vitamin-D, and digestive juices, etc. Cholesterol is needed for different biological activities.
Diet rich in fat and sugar plays, a major role in the alleviation of cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is also found in egg yolk, meat, and cheese. Obesity and heavy drinking can also lead to raising cholesterol levels. An underactive thyroid gland, some rare kidney or liver disease can also cause a high cholesterol level. Some genetically produce more cholesterol than others.
As per general physician Dr. Lizzie Kershaw Yates, “A high level of cholesterol doesn’t necessarily mean you need treatment. it will depend on other things including your family’s medical history and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases”.
If the body has too much cholesterol in the blood, it combines with other substances in the blood to form plaque. plaque sticks to the wall of arteries and on accumulation, arteries become narrow or get blocked. If the artery is of the kidney, it can lead to kidney failure, If it is a carotid artery it can lead to stroke and if it is the main artery that supplies to the heart it can lead to a heart attack.

Cholesterol is a type of lipid and cannot dissolve in water, therefore cholesterol can not travel through the blood on its own. to help transport cholesterol, the liver produces lipoproteins, lipoproteins consist of lipo {fat} and proteins. The lipids need to get attached to proteins, which enables cholesterol to move through blood for different body functions. Three types of lipoproteins are H.D.L., L.D.L. & V.L.D.L.
H.D.L. (High-density lipoproteins) are also called good cholesterol, ( cholesterol attached to high-density lipoproteins) it protects arteries, they are usually found in plant-based cholesterols such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil.The fish fat also contains omega-3 fatty acid which is known to maintain the healthy vascular system.

L.D.L. (Low-density lipoproteins) are also called bad cholesterol, ( cholesterol attached to low-density lipoproteins). High LDL Levels lead to the buildup of plaque in arteries.
V.L.D.L. ( Very low-density lipoproteins) is also called bad cholesterol as it also leads to the formation of plaque in arteries.

Causes of high cholesterol:-

Unhealthy eating habits, like eating a lot of bad fats. consumption of saturated fats found in some meat, dairy products, chocolate, baked and deep-fried, and processed foods. For more details about good fats and bad fats please click in the link:-

• https://maansisurvivalaidfoundation.com/2020/01/04/fats-consumption-gateway-to-good-health/
• Lack of physical activities, a lot of sitting, and little exercise lower H.D.L. (Good cholesterol) levels.
• Smoking lowers HDL levels.
• Genetics, few medical conditions, and few medications can also raise cholesterol levels.
• Risk factors for high cholesterol levels:-
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• High blood pressure, diabetes, or any disease that indicates vascular damage.
• Obesity, Smoking habits, excess alcohol consumption, family history of high B.P., etc.
• Family history of heart attack or stroke under 55 years of age.
• Optimizing cholesterol levels naturally:-
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• Adopting principles of Ayurveda and a healthy lifestyle. Ayurveda with its principles as regards nutrition, balancing three body energies Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. For more details on balancing body- doshas please click on the link;-
• https://maansisurvivalaidfoundation.com/2020/02/21/living-healthy-balancing-ayurvedic-body-doshas/
• Healthy eating habits, avoiding fast foods.
• Maintaining healthy B.M.I (Body mass index).
• Regular exercise. practicing yoga and meditation.
• Stopping smoking and limiting drinking.

Wishing all a healthy life. The above is for awareness purposes only. Please consult your physician for health-related problems.
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