Cholesterol is a white, waxy, fat-like substance produced in the liver and is a component of all body cells. The body naturally makes all the cholesterol. It needs to make cell membranes, hormones, Vitamin D, digestive juices, etc. It is essential for different biological activities in the body.

What causes the alleviation of cholesterol levels?

A diet rich in fat and sugar plays a major role in the alleviation of cholesterol levels. It is also found in egg yolks, meat, and cheese. Obesity and heavy drinking can also lead to raising their levels. An underactive thyroid gland or 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”.

What are HDL and LDL and their function?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid and cannot be dissolved in water. Therefore, it can not travel through the blood on its own. To help it transport, 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 the blood for different body functions. Three types of lipoproteins are H.D.L., L.D.L., and V.L.D.L.

(High-density lipoproteins) are also called “good cholesterol, (Cholesterol attached to high-density lipoproteins) protects arteries. They are usually found in plant-based foods such as nuts, seeds, and olive oil. Fish fat also contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to maintain a 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.

What are the effects of high LDL?

If the body has too much LDL in the blood, it combines with other substances in the blood to form plaque. Plague 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.

What are the causes of high L.D.L?

Causes of high LDL:

Unhealthy eating habits, like eating a lot of bad fat and consumption of saturated fat, which is mostly found in some meat, dairy products, chocolate, baked, deep-fried, and processed foods may lead to high cholesterol levels.

ARE FATS GOOD FOR OUR HEALTH?

For more details regarding why fats are the most important part of our diet, please click on the link: https://maansisurvivalaidfoundation.com/fats-one-of-the-most-important-part-of-food/

cAUSES OF LOW HDL LEVELS:

• Lack of physical activity, a lot of sitting, and little exercise lower H.D.L. For more details, see How does a sedentary lifestyle impact health? Please click.
• Smoking lowers HDL levels.

Low levels of HDL may also increase the risk of heart disease.

What are the risk factors?

• High blood pressure, diabetes, or any disease that indicates vascular damage.
• Obesity, smoking habits, excess alcohol consumption, family history of high blood pressure, etc.
• Family history of heart attack or stroke under 55 years of age.

Optimizing cholesterol levels.

Adopting the principles of Ayurveda and a healthy lifestyle. Ayurveda, with its principles, regards nutrition and balances three body energies (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). For more details, see Know Your Ayurvedic Body Doshas. Please click.

• Healthy eating habits, avoiding fast foods.
• Maintaining a healthy B.M.I (Body mass index). For maintaining a healthy BMI. Refer to the below-mentioned chart.
• 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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