Things to know about cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance, that is found in all cells of the body.
Some cholesterol is needed to make hormones, vitamin D and substances that help in digestion.
Body make all the cholesterol it needs, but it is found in some of the foods that you eat.
Cholesterol ravels in form of small packages called “Lipoproteins” through your bloodstream. Lipoproteins are made of fat from inside and protein from outside.
There are two kinds of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol throughout your body: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Having healthy levels of both types of lipoproteins is important.
LDL cholesterol sometimes is referred as “bad” cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. (Arteries are blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to your body.)
HDL cholesterol is also called “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver removes the cholesterol from your body.
High blood cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol in the the blood stream. It doesn’t show any signs or symptoms and that’s why many people don’t even know if they have high blood cholesterol.
People with high blood cholesterol have greater chance of getting coronary heart disease.
Higher the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood, the greater chance of getting heart disease.
The higher the level of HDL cholesterol in your blood, the lower chance of getting heart disease.
Coronary heart disease is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the heart arteries. Over time, plaque hardens and narrows your coronary arteries. This limits the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture (break open). This causes a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery.
If the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart is reduced or blocked, chest pain or even a heart attack may occur.
Plaque also can build up in other arteries in your body, such as the arteries that bring oxygen-rich blood to your brain and limbs.
Understanding your cholesterol numbers
LDL Cholesterol ( The lowerLDL cholesterol number, the lower your risk.
LDL Cholesterol LDL-Cholesterol Category
Less than 100 Optimal
100 – 129 Near optimal/above optimal
130 – 159 Borderline high
160 – 189 High
190 and above Very high
HDL Cholesterol ( The higher the number, better it is)
HDL Cholesterol HDL-Cholesterol Category
60 and above High; Optimal; associated with lower risk
Less than 40 in men and less than 50 in women Low; considered a risk factor for heart disease
Total Cholesterol
Your total blood cholesterol is a measure of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and other lipid components. Doctors recommend total cholesterol levels below 200
Total Cholesterol Category
Less than 200 Desirable
200-239 Mildly High
240 and above High
Home remedies to lower cholesterol
The best home remedy to cure a person with high cholesterol is to have at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.
Apple is very good in lowering high cholesterol levels. You can consume it raw or take 10-12 tablespoons of apple juice and 5-6 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, mix them and take once a day.
Have 2-3 gloves of garlic every day
Consuming raw onions or onion juice is also beneficial in reducing high cholesterol.
Consume lots of walnuts and almonds.
Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds and pine nuts help reduce LDL cholesterol.
Limit intake of saturated fats. Avoid using butter and saturated oil.
Having fenugreek seeds and sprouts help to reduce the high cholesterol levels.
