Cholesterol is a waxy substance present in the blood stream and the cells of the body. This is a well known fact that high level of cholesterol is responsible for coronary heart diseases but the lesser known fact is that it plays an important role in the mechanism of our body.
- It contributes in the formation of cells and makes them resistant to any kind of change due to temperature; it also provides a kind of insulation to nerve fibers.
- It is an important element for the production of hormones like Cortisol, Progesterone and Testosterone
- Bile salts production for the proper digestion.
- When we take sun bath, it helps the conversion into vitamin D.
But if you have high cholesterol, this wax like substance deposits in the blood vessels resulting in difficulty or the blockage for the blood to flow. Lack of oxygen enriched blood supply to heart and brain can cause severe complications like heart attack and stroke.
In some cases high cholesterol may be due to inheritance but in most of the cases it is due to sedentary lifestyles and improper diet patterns.
Cholesterol Test
A test known as lipoprotein panel can check the cholesterol level in your blood. It is advisable not to drink or eat anything for 12 hours prior to this test and this result will show the total amount of cholesterol present in the blood.
- Percentage of low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL).
- LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol accumulated in the arteries to form the blockages.
- Triglycerides are a type of fat and high level of which is responsible for heart ailments.
This test will give you an idea about the presence of good and bad cholesterol and unfortunately if you happen to fall in the high LDL category, make a strict line of action to follow, in order to lower the cholesterol and stay healthy.
Causes of high Cholesterol
- Diet: saturated fat present in our diet is the main cause for high cholesterol. Beef, pork, eggs, palm oil, butter and cheese contains a lot of saturated fat.
- Sedentary Lifestyle: are you a couch potato watching movies and fond of munching. Persons who are not active are more prone to the increased level of LDL.
- Weight: if you are not active and can’t keep a check on your calorie intake, you are more likely to gain extra weight. This will increase triglycerides and decrease HDL (good cholesterol).
- Smoking and Alcohol: these both are silent killers and have significant effect on LDL levels.
How to lower the cholesterol?
If you fall under the category of high cholesterol level, you can start with three tested strategies to lower the cholesterol, you can apply all three of them at the same time to fetch fast and significant results.
- Statins
Start taking the medication only after consulting an experienced medical practitioner. If cost is an issue, you can take generic Statins, which are also available in the market. Consulting a physician will insure that they don’t make adverse effects on your health like lever complications and arthritis.
- Diet Cures
Oatmeal, high fiber foods and omega -3 fatty acids along with some nuts like almond and walnuts have the capability to lower the LDL level to a considerable amount.
- Exercise
Many research journals have revealed that if heart patients follow a proper fitness regime, it could bring down the heart attack chances up to 25%. Cardio exercises burn body fat at a faster pace and increase your stamina for daily activities, you can make a combination of cardio and light weight exercises.
