What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is necessary for the construction of cells in the body and the functioning of some hormones. Our body produces it itself, but it also reaches the body through food.
There are two main types of it:
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): This is called ‘bad cholesterol’. It accumulates in the blood vessels and causes blockages.
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): This is called ‘good cholesterol’. It removes bad cholesterol from the blood vessels and transports it to the liver.
Main reasons for increasing cholesterol
Dietary habits:
Saturated fats: Excessive consumption of red meat (mutton, beef), butter, cheese, milk, etc. increases bad cholesterol.
Trans Fats: The fats found in baked goods, fried foods, and processed foods are the most dangerous.
Lack of exercise: Lack of physical activity causes a decrease in the body’s ‘good cholesterol’ (HDL). This disrupts the balance of cholesterol.
Obesity: Obesity can increase the level of bad cholesterol in the blood and reduce the level of good cholesterol.
Smoking: Smoking damages the walls of blood vessels and reduces the level of good cholesterol.
Genetics: If your parents or close relatives have high cholesterol in your family, you are also at risk of developing high cholesterol, even if your eating habits are good.
Other diseases: Diabetes, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and kidney diseases can cause high cholesterol.
