What is Cholesterol?
This is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all body cells essential in digestion, hormone production and manufacturing of Vitamin D. It is oil based thus it does not mix with blood. It moves all over the body in lipoproteins.
Functions of Cholesterol
- Formation of some hormones
- Manufacturing of Vitamin D
- Formation of the cell wall structure
- Consisting of digestive juices in the intestinal part of the body.
Types of Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol namely;
1. High-Density Lipoproteins(HDL) or good cholesterol
2. Low-Density Lipoproteins(LDL) or bad cholesterol
High-Density Lipoproteins(HDL) or good cholesterol:
This absorbs cholesterol in the blood and takes it to the liver for flushing out of the body. This increases the rate of health as there’s a decrease in the probability of contacting heart diseases.
Low-Density Lipoproteins(LDL) or bad cholesterol:
This is collection of the body’s cholesterol. An increase in LDL increases the rate of contacting heart diseases.
High Cholesterol
This has been quite an issue that has caused many diseases and the reverse being the case. Any case it is seems to pose a threat to human life. An increase in cholesterol in the blood streams narrows arteries and that isn’t too funny of a situation.
How to Level the Rate of Cholesterol
-Intake of foods with low cholesterol
-Intake of saturated fats
-Regular exercise
-Avoiding processed and packed foods
-Avoid smoking
Causes of High Cholesterol Levels
- Genetic conditions
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Certain drugs
- Diseases of liver and kidney
Foods that lower cholesterol level include:
- Okra
- Beans
- Vegetable oils
- Fruits
- Nuts
Foods that increase cholesterol level include:
- Red meat
- Baked goods
- Animal fat
Tags:
Heart