Cholesterol, a word that we keep hearing every now and then. But do we keep a check on it. In a world surrounded by hectic work life and stressed lifestyle, it is essential for each one of us to dig deeper to what could make our health better for a Healthy Active Life.
Cholesterol is generally a waxy substance found in your blood and in your cells and travels in your blood in form of packets called lipoproteins. Majority of the Cholesterol in your body comes from your liver while the rest comes from foods you eat.
During your Cholesterol check report, you shall always come across 2 forms of Cholesterol often termed as LDL and HDL:
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the “bad,” unhealthy kind of cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries and form fatty, waxy deposits called plaques.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the “good,” healthy kind of cholesterol. It transports excess cholesterol out of your arteries to your liver, which removes it from your body.
But is Cholesterol actually bad..?? No, not really but it needs to be kept in a controlled limit. The body needs some cholesterol to help Organs function properly as well as to develop hormones, vitamin D, and digestive fluids.
However, having too much LDL cholesterol is a problem. High LDL, i.e. Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol over the time can damage your arteries, Increase risk for a Stroke as well as contribute to heart disease.
Getting your cholesterol checked through Blood Tests at regular intervals and seeking doctors advice as well as lowering your heart disease risk with proper diet, regular exercise, lifestyle changes, and medication can help decrease complications associated with heart disease and improve your Active Life.
The cause of High LDL Cholesterol and its effect on our body can impact several body functions such as –
· Too much LDL Cholesterol can clog arteries and make them less flexible which impacts oxygen rich blood flow to your heart.
· Lowered production of Thyroid Hormones results in increase of LDL Cholesterol.
· Too high cholesterol levels can result in damaging parts of brain resulting in loss of memory and strokes.
· With too much Cholesterol in the body there is a risk of hard stones in your Gallbladder.
LDL Cholesterol can be controlled. All that is required is having control on your health and proper Exercises. There is always a way out of every possible situation provided timely action is taken. Few of the controlled habits that one should regularly consider is –
· Reduce Saturated Fats which is primarily found in Red Meat and Fat Rich Dairy Products.
· Eat Omega-3 Fatty Acids Rich Food - Walnuts, Flaxseeds are a good source of Omega-3.
· Increase Soluble Fibre – Apple, Pear, Sprouts are a good source.
· Add Whey Protein to your Diet.
· Exercise Regularly – Walk daily for almost half n hour and play your favorite sport. Exercising daily can help improve your HDL Cholesterol which is often the Good Cholesterol.
· Quit Smoking – Quitting Smoking increases the HDL Cholesterol level in your body.
· Limit Alcohol Drinking
· Lose Weight – Small steps and changes in your daily routine can help in reducing cholesterol level. Use Stairs, Walking Daily, and eating lesser calories food items as alternatives.
We once again urge you all to take care of your health as every small change adds up to a perfect healthy lifestyle. In a world surrounded by hectic work life and stressed lifestyle, it is essential for each one of us to dig deeper to what could make our health better. And as one always say, the early the better.
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By – 360activeliving