As the title suggests, we will be focusing on cholesterol in this article. Cholesterol is a waxy substance (lipoproteins) secreted by cells and obtained through food. These are of three types;
- LDL(low-density lipoprotein): Also known as bad cholesterol because they tend to deposit on blood vessels blocking the passage of blood. This might lead to high blood pressure. In severe forms, they lead to heart attack, stroke, etc. These are obtained from junk food, full dairy, and red meat.
- HDL (high-density lipoprotein): First, come firsts, Not all types of cholesterol are bad. HDL are the “good cholesterol” because it tends to deposit LDLs in the liver & from there it gets eliminated from the body. Eggs and fatty-fish, nuts and berries are good sources of HDL.
Why cholesterol is important?
Cholesterol is required for normal body functioning they play a major role in performing very important functions.
- Cholesterol is required by skin cells to make vitamin D from sunlight.
- Acts as a precursor for hormones eg. testosterone.
- Certain food digesting enzymes are made from cholesterol.
- Healthy functioning of the cell.
- Component of bile pigment that helps the liver in the process of digestion.
- Cholesterol deficiency may impair brain functions.
Excess cholesterol leads to lifestyle complications that might have fatal consequences;
- High cholesterol leads to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) which likely results in causing heart problems like heart attack, unrhythmic heartbeats, etc
- High blood pressure is the commonly seen in patients with high cholesterol.
- The formation of clots in the brain can lead to stroke.
- High cholesterol condition is linked with both Type I/II diabetes .
- High cholesterol levels are also responsible for fatigue, bloating, obesity & anxiety.
Yoda suggests
Now that we understood that cholesterol is both good & bad for health and why it is important to take measures for your health. Yoda suggests 5 steps to reduce levels of your bad cholesterol;
- Eat good sources of cholesterol; eggs, fish, nuts, etc.
- Daily exercise and controlled eating is must.
- Drinking worsens the situation because it negatively affects the functioning of liver which is important for cholesterol metabolism.
- Excessive smoking causes atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries); so quit smoking.
- Lastly, it is important to mention that sometimes high cholesterol levels are hereditary. That means even dieting and exercising can’t control high levels of cholesterol.
If you have symptoms of high cholesterol consult your doctor and get it diagnosed (YODA LINK) as soon as possible. It is advisable to check your cholesterol levels every few years & if you are suffering from any complications then more frequent visits are required. Click on the link below and check the cholesterol panel. We also offer free home sample collection.
https://yodalifeline.in/book-a-test?searchKey=cholesterol
