What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Our bodies need cholesterol to make vitamin D, hormones and substances that helps to digest the food we eat. Cholesterol is found in foods that we eat, and it travels through the bloodstream. There are two types of cholesterol – “bad” cholesterol and “good” cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
Having a high LDL level can lead to buildup of cholesterol in the arteries which is not good for health.
HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)
It is called good cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver, which then removes the cholesterol from the body.
Risk of High Blood Cholesterol
High blood cholesterol is a condition in which a person has too much cholesterol in the blood. High blood cholesterol has no signs and symptoms and hence many people are not aware that they have high blood cholesterol. People who have high blood cholesterol have a greater risk of having coronary heart disease.
Foods that help fight cholesterol
1. Soy: Reduces saturated fat and helps to cut blood cholesterol.
2. Beans: Beans are fiber-rich and are high in cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. Some good choices are – kidney, chickpea, black and navy beans.
3. Salmon: Salmons are high in omega-3 fatty acids which help lower “bad” cholesterol, and raise “good” cholesterol.
4. Avocados: Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fat which raises the levels of “good” cholesterol.
Try adding these in your daily diet if you suffer from High Blood Cholesterol
