Overview of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found inside the cells in the body. The body requires cholesterol to make hormones, Vitamin D, protect nerves, and make cell tissues. It improves the digestion by stimulating the bile acid which helps in digesting food. Primarily liver produces the cholesterol in the body however, external sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, meat, cheese, Cholesterol is of three types: LDL or Low-Density Lipoprotein is the bad cholesterol which leads to the development of plaque in the arteries blocking the functioning of the heart, HDL or High-Density Lipoprotein is the good cholesterol which carries the cholesterol from other parts of the body to liver. In other words, it acts as a carrier of cholesterol, and VLDL or Very Low-Density Lipoprotein is also the bad cholesterol however, it carries triglycerides in the arteries causing the development of plaque inside arteries.
Too much of bad cholesterol in the blood can lead to severe health problems such as coronary problem, obesity, and nerve problem. Factors causing high cholesterol in the body are saturated fat (meat, dairy product, deep fried, chocolate, and processed food), trans fat (Fried food and processed food), and Cholesterol (animal food, cheese, and dairy product). Recent studies suggest health problems such as Diabetes, Liver problem, Kidney problem, Polycystic Ovary problem, Thyroid, Pregnancy, and Medications can cause a rise in the cholesterol levels in the body.
Ideal cholesterol levels in the body have been specified underneath:
- Total Cholesterol levels – Less than 200 (>200)
- LDL – Less than 130 (>130)
- HDL – Greater than 60 (<60)
- VLDL – Less than 150 mg/dl (>150 mg/dl)
Symptoms of High Cholesterol may vary from person to person however, we have specified the common symptom underneath:
- High Blood Pressure
- Stroke
- Extreme Fatigue
- Palpitation
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
Remedies to control high Cholesterol levels
Surprisingly, cholesterol level can be controlled with few lifestyles changes and home remedies. You should consult a specialist for the advice as it can lead to an adverse side effect if not used under supervision. We have specified the best remedies underneath to control cholesterol:
- Oat Bran – Oat bran meal is the rich source of healthy fiber and contains the soluble fiber which helps in reducing the LDL or bad cholesterol levels. You can take 2 tbsp of oat bran with 200 ml low-fat warm milk. Oat bran has zero fat and sodium level that makes it a heart-friendly meal
- Olives – You can eat olive or olive oil to reduce LDL levels in the body as it contains the monosaturated fats and Vitamin E which has shown tremendous results in preventing the development of plaque and blockage in the arteries. Consume olive oil for cooking and olives in salad dressing or baked dishes
- Soy – Rich source of Omega 3, protein, and monosaturated fats which can reduce the LDL levels to normal within a few weeks as reported the individuals. Consume 75 gram of soy to control the LDL levels in the body. Soy is available in a variety of forms such as soy cookies, soy flour, soy nuts, soybeans, and tofu or soy cheese
- Chickpea – It is a rich source of soluble fiber and low sodium levels which helps in reducing the LDL levels drastically. Specialist suggest chickpea to control LDL levels as per the prescribed dosage however, we recommend consuming 50 grams of chickpea boiled or baked in different healthy recipes
- Flaxseeds – Flax seeds come from the flax plant which is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid that helps in lowering the high level of LDL. Flaxseeds also contain the Omega 3 composition which acts as a natural content in lowering the LDL levels. You can consume 10 gram to 20 gram of flaxseeds regularly
- Garlic – You can consider consuming garlic clove regularly for health benefits such as lowering blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure due to the high content of chemical allicin. Eat 2 garlic clove empty stomach in the morning for health benefits
- Green Tea – Anti-oxidant or catechins present in the green tea helps in reducing high cholesterol levels but it is recommended to drink maximum 2 to 3 cups of green tea. You can have jasmine green tea for reducing cholesterol levels and water retention in the body which can lead to obesity and high blood pressure
- Vitamin C – Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C such as oranges, grapefruit, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, cantaloupe, sweet bell peppers, broccoli, and sweet potato helps in lowering the cholesterol levels in the body due to the presence of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties
- Blueberries – Recent studies suggest that blueberries contain anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which improve the cardiovascular function especially lowering the high cholesterol levels in the body which can lead to severe health problems
- Tomatoes – It contains the high content of plant compound lycopene which improves the cardiovascular function and reduces the LDL level to normal if consumed in a proportionate meal regularly
- Physical Exertion – Specialist recommend doing moderate physical exertion to control the high LDL levels in the body as it improves the cardiovascular function and heart pumping rate. You can prefer doing a walk or brisk walk for 30 minutes regularly but keep your body hydrated to avoid any complication
- Reduce Body Weight – Obesity can lead to high cholesterol level due to the excess storage of fat composition in the body and can lead to the development of plaque in the arteries however, you can reduce or control the body weight through simple lifestyle changes such as physical movement, eating a healthy diet, and proper sleep regularly
To buy an Ayurvedic product to reduce cholesterol click on the link mentioned below:
Himalaya Wellness Pure Herbs Lasuna Cardiac Wellness – 60 Tablets
Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice, nor it is intended to replace the recommendations of a medical professional. For specific questions, please consult a specialist for the advice.