Health Tech

What To Eat And What Not To Eat To Control Cholesterol

A lot of people enjoy eating fried foods like pakoras, samosas and burgers. But doctors often warn that eating too much of these can raise cholesterol levels. Now, high cholesterol is becoming a big problem, not just for older people but also for younger ones.

High cholesterol at a young age can be more dangerous than high cholesterol later in life. So, what exactly is cholesterol, how does it build up in the body, and how can it be lowered?
In this article, we’ll answer these questions.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is part of the body’s fats. It plays a role in several important body functions. Cholesterol is found in every cell and moves through the blood to reach all parts of the body. It helps create a protective cover around each cell. Cholesterol is also needed for making certain hormones. The liver makes about 80% of the cholesterol in the body.

When is cholesterol bad?

There are two main types of cholesterol – HDL and LDL. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, is called the “good” cholesterol. LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, is the “bad” cholesterol. When HDL is in the blood, it flows easily. However, if LDL levels are high, it can stick to blood vessels and arteries like a sticky substance, forming plaque, which is like a layer. If plaque builds up over time, it can block the blood flow. This means that the brain and heart do not get enough oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Several factors can affect cholesterol levels, like age, medicines, or existing health issues.
Lifestyle, daily habits, and diet also play a big role.

How active you are is important too

Dr. Vivudh Pratap Singh, a cardiologist at Fortis Escorts Hospital in Delhi, says that ultra-processed foods and trans fats can increase cholesterol. He explains, “We are talking about processed snacks and bakery items that contain artificial fats. These may be made with reused oil or have a lot of salt and sugar. ” He adds, “Also, highly refined carbohydrates like maida should be avoided. These lack antioxidants and raise LDL levels. Plus, ultra-processed foods are linked to weight gain and inflammation, which increase the risk of heart disease. ”

A team from Cambridge University found that high cholesterol in young people can be more harmful than high cholesterol that develops later in life.

How to lower cholesterol?

The more active you are, the more fat your muscles use for energy. This reduces the amount of saturated fat in the body, which helps prevent plaque buildup and lowers the risk of heart attack or stroke.

It’s important to follow some heart-healthy habits, like avoiding smoking, keeping your weight in check, and limiting alcohol. Also, avoiding saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods is key.

Many studies show that a balanced diet helps control cholesterol. Fiber is an important part of the diet. It goes into the intestines and forms a gel-like layer. This slows digestion. Some types of protein can also help. Overall, increasing fiber in your diet can help balance cholesterol. Whole grains, oatmeal, oats, nuts, fruits, and vegetables are rich in fiber.

Water is also very important. Lack of water and fluids can cause many problems. It can be especially harmful for the heart and blood flow. When the body is dehydrated, blood flow decreases. This can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness, and fainting. The heart has to work harder to push blood around the body, which can cause a faster heartbeat and feelings of palpitations. Dehydration can make the blood thicker. This increases the risk of blood clots and heart attacks.

So, it’s very important to care for your heart. Sometimes, changing lifestyle alone isn’t enough. In such cases, medicine can be helpful. To prevent heart attacks, regular check-ups and doctor’s advice are important.

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