- A necessary nutrient, cholesterol is transported by lipoproteins through the circulation.
- Diet, genetics, inactivity, smoking, obesity, age, and gender are some of the variables that can cause high cholesterol levels.
- Exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol.
Your body and the food you eat contain cholesterol, which is a waxy, fat-like material. Although necessary for several body processes, high levels can seriously jeopardize your health.
Since high cholesterol is known to increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, it is essential to know what causes high cholesterol and how to control it for better overall health.
Optimal Health
A necessary nutrient, cholesterol is transported by lipoproteins through the circulation. The term “bad” cholesterol is associated with Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), while “good” cholesterol is associated with High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). Diet, genetics, inactivity, smoking, obesity, age, and gender are some of the variables that can cause high cholesterol levels.
Limiting saturated and trans fats, which are present in processed foods, red meat, and butter, and eating a heart-healthy diet high in soluble fiber and lean proteins are all effective ways to control cholesterol.
Exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol and decrease LDL cholesterol. A minimum of 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes a week of vigorous exercise is recommended. Levels of cholesterol can be greatly influenced by maintaining a healthy weight.
Both cholesterol and general health can be enhanced by quitting. While excessive drinking can increase blood pressure and triglycerides, cutting back on alcohol can also benefit the heart.
If altering one’s lifestyle doesn’t improve things enough, doctors may recommend medications like statins. Maintaining better health requires routine checkups and heeding the advice of your healthcare provider.
Heart disease can be prevented and one can live a longer, healthier life by adopting healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising frequently, and abstaining from tobacco. The general state of health can be significantly improved by little adjustments.
