Cholesterol is a fatlike substance that is required by the body for its normal functioning. Small quantities of this waxy matter are naturally found in heart, intestines, liver, skin, muscles, nerves and brain. It is required for the synthesis of bile acids, vitamin D and some hormones. When the level of cholesterol in blood is high, the excess gets deposited in arteries. This can cause various cardiovascular diseases in addition to damaging the arteries. High cholesterol is an affliction that affects several people across the globe. Lifestyle, diet and heredity are some common factors that affect the level of cholesterol in blood. Diseases to kidney, thyroid or liver can also affect the cholesterol level.
How to lower cholesterol levels is a question asked by a lot of people today. Cholesterol is naturally produced in the body by liver. Additionally, it is obtained from various foods. Hence the best way to keep the cholesterol level low is by switching to a healthy diet. In addition to dietary changes, one should frequently exercise as well. Certain foods are rich in cholesterol.
Foods such as yoghurt, whole milk, beef, lamb, pork, fried fish, oily foods and sweets should be avoided as much as possible. Such foods can be substituted with low fat dairy products, cottage cheese, vegetables, fruits, olive oil and white meat. Those with high cholesterol should watch their calorie intake as well. This is because excess calories will be converted into fat. A combination of healthy diet and exercise is required to combat high cholesterol.
Exercise plays a very important role in keeping the cholesterol levels to a minimum. When an individual exercises, the heart rate increases. This leads to an increase in the flow of blood through the arteries thereby preventing the cholesterol from accumulating. High cholesterol can affect men and women irrespective of age or size. HDL and LDL are two terms closely associated with cholesterol. HDL stands for High Density Lipoprotein while LDL is Low Density Lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are a combination of lipids and proteins.
Lipids are molecules of cholesterol that combine with proteins in order to move around in the bloodstream. The amount of protein is higher in HDL while the lipid amount is higher in LDL. HDL is good for the body as it flushes out the cholesterol that gets deposited in arteries. Ideally, the HDL level should be higher than LDL level. There are medical supplements available in the market that lowers the cholesterol level. However, such pills should not be taken without consulting a physician.
Saturated fats and Trans fats can increase the LDL level. Hence they should be avoided. Small levels of alcohol consumption have been known to increase the level of high density lipoproteins in blood. However, excess consumption can adversely affect the body. Smoking can increase the level of LDL. Hence smokers with high cholesterol levels should kick the habit as soon as possible. Such lifestyle changes are essential if one wishes to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. A host of diseases can be prevented by keeping a low cholesterol level.
