Hi Guys, Today, I am going to expain you about Cholestrol. Cholesterol is both our friend and foe - at normal levels, it is an essential substance for the body's normal functioning, but if levels in the blood get too high, it becomes a silent danger that puts us at risk of a heart attack. Cholesterol is found in every cell of the body and has important natural functions. It is manufactured by the body but can also be taken in from food. It is waxy and fat-like in appearance. Cholesterol is oil-based and so does not mix with the blood, which is water-based. It is therefore carried around the body in the blood by lipoproteins. The parcels of cholesterol are carried by two types of lipoprotein. They are: 1.) Low-density lipoprotein (LDL - cholesterol carried by this type is known as 'bad' cholesterol). 2.) High-density lipoprotein (HDL - cholesterol carried by this type is known as 'good' cholesterol). Cholesterol has four main functions, without which we could not live. They are: 1.) Contributes to the structure of cell walls. 2.) Makes up digestive bile acids in the intestine. 3.) Allows the body to produce vitamin D. 4.) Enables the body to make certain hormones. Continued...
High cholestrol: High cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia is also known as hyperlipidemia and dyslipidemia. It is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, a cause of heart attacks, and reducing blood lipid levels lowers the cardiovascular risk. High levels of LDL lead to a build-up of cholesterol in the arteries, whereas HDL carries cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body. A build-up of cholesterol forms part of the process that narrows arteries, called atherosclerosis, in which plaques form and cause restriction of blood flow. Two types of cause lead to high cholesterol levels - modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. The major two risk factors are highly modifiable - something can be done to change them: 1.) Diet. 2.) Exercise and weight. Limiting intake of fat in the diet helps manage cholesterol levels, limiting foods, in particular, that contain: 1.) Cholesterol (from animal foods, such as egg yolks, meat and cheese). 2.) Saturated fat (found in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, and deep-fried and processed foods). 3.) Trans fat (found in some fried and processed foods). Continued...
Abnormal cholesterol levels may also be secondary to the following: 1.) Diabetes 2.) Liver or kidney disease 3.) Polycystic ovary syndrome 4.) Pregnancy and other conditions that increase levels of female hormones 5.) Underactive thyroid gland. 6.) Drugs that increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol (progestins, anabolic steroids and corticosteroids). Signs and Symptoms of High Cholestrol: Having high cholesterol levels, while a risk factor for other conditions, does not itself present any signs or symptoms. Unless routinely screened through regular blood testing, high cholesterol levels will go unnoticed and could present a silent threat of heart attack or stroke. Exercise: Exercise is always good for health. It helps reduce cholestrol but too much exercise can also be a problem. Note : If you snore heavily, you are at the risk of heart disease. Please get yourself diagnosed immediately for OSA. That's it guys. My article is now complete. Please post your valuable comments. Thanks, MEN ARE BACK, aa3.
I like the way you mentioned that cholesterol can be and is also our friend cause I'm afraid it is a common misconception that when its cholesterol, its automatically bad. Good job bro!