Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that is found in every cell of the body. It is involved in the production of cell membranes, some hormones, vitamin D, bile acids, and other tissues in the body. It also insulates nerves. Cholesterol is produced in the liver. However, we also get cholesterol from our diet.
The amount of this fatty substance in the body depends on factors like the rate of cholesterol production in the liver,. It also depends on the rate of cholesterol elimination from the body, the amount of dietary saturated fat and to a lesser extent, cholesterol consumed.
The excess cholesterol in our body circulates in the bloodstream. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can clog blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The food items featured below are contributors to high cholesterol.
There are different types of cholesterol which many people do not know about...
Low-Density Lipoprotein (or LDL) cholesterol is a bad type of cholesterol that is most likely to clog blood vessels and increase the chances of having a heart attack. On the other hand, High-Density Lipoprotein (or HDL) is a good type of cholesterol. HDL helps clear the LDL cholesterol out of the blood and reduces heart attack risks.
The truth about cholesterol & heart disease...
High cholesterol is one of the major contributors to heart disease. Research strongly indicates that lowering of cholesterol leads to a drop in the occurrence of heart disease. The main reason for this is because with less blood cholesterol, there is less plaque formation within the arterial walls. This will reduce the chances or an artery becoming blocked and causing a heart attack or stroke. Also, blood will flow through arteries with greater ease and this can lower blood pressure.
Issues that lead to a Rise in Cholesterol:
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Hereditary factors
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Poor eating habits
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Excessive consumption of alcohol
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Smoking
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Excess weight or Obesity
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Daily Stress
Ways to control or lessen Cholesterol:
It is important to maintain good Good eating habits to maintain low LDL levels.
Getting regular exercise helps avoid problems associated with high cholesterol as long as your diet is healthy.
Experts recommend at least 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week for at least 12 weeks for significant cholesterol reduction.
Losing weight and keeping it off!
You can lower your LDL (“bad cholesterol”) and elevate your HDL (“good cholesterol”) just by dropping some pounds with consistent exercise routines..
Image Sources and Video Source:
http://delmarrehab.com/lower-high-cholesterol-no-pills/
https://www.news-medical.net/health/High-Cholesterol-and-Stroke-Risk.aspx
https://youtu.be/kLnvChjGxYk