Bad cholesterol
Bad Cholesterol Level: Cholesterol is required by the body for number of metabolic processes, however higher cholesterol levels can affect a body adversely. Since it cannot does not dissolve in the blood, little carriers called as ‘lipoproteins” are responsible for transporting them to and from the cells. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is called as “bad” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein or HDL called as “good” cholesterol, triglycerides, and Lp(a) cholesterol together make up the total cholesterol count in the body. You can determine your total cholesterol count with the help of a blood test. When there is excess of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream, it builds up in the arteries, thus narrowing them. These arteries feed the heart and brain and are crucial for the smooth functioning of these organs. Bad cholesterol forms a thick and hard deposit that reduces the flexibility of the arteries leading to a condition called as “atherosclerosis”. A clot may form leading to severe blockage of the artery and you may eventually suffer from a stroke or heart attack. Lp(a) Cholesterol, a genetic variation of LDL, may combine with other substances present in the artery walls adding to the amount of fatty deposits. High levels of Lp(a) may cause premature development of these fatty deposits and puts you at a higher risk of heart disease.
How to lower bad cholesterol: If your health condition indicates the possibility of high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend a blood test to check your cholesterol levels. Your cholesterol levels along with other factors such as age, lifestyle, blood pressure, and family history will be taken into account to determine the risk of getting heart disease. Thus what may be considered as a healthy or good level of LDL for you, may not be very healthy for someone else. Lowering your cholesterol levels is crucial in order to minimize your cholesterol related health risks. You will find several websites on the Internet that can tell you how to lower bad cholesterol. If you need a customized diet plan or you need to know how to lower bad cholesterol making important lifestyle and dietary changes, you can consult your doctor. Although cholesterol is essential for number of vital functions, you do not have to eat foods high in cholesterol, as the body produces its own cholesterol. You need to eat lots of fresh fruits, beans, wholegrain foods and vegetables to put a check on bad cholesterol.
Foods that lower bad cholesterol: In the absence of any other heart disease factors, LDL cholesterol levels below 130 milligrams are recommended. You need to select foods that lower bad cholesterol to stay fit. Foods that lower bad cholesterol include lowfat dairy products. Regular dairy products have large amount of saturated fat that can increase your bad cholesterol levels radically. Soy protein in your diet lowers the bad cholesterol and is a healthy alternative for animal protein. You can also limit your sugar intake for better results. Foods naturally high in fiber, particularly soluble fiber, are ideal for people who wish to lower the bad cholesterol levels. Legumes, oats, barley, and fruits and root vegetables are rich in soluble fiber. By including non-fat or low fat foods to lower cholesterol, you can also control your weight effectively.
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