Avoid Bad Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance, present in all cells of the body. It is required to synthesize hormones, vitamins, and bile juices that help indigestion. But too much cholesterol can block blood flow and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
2 Types Of Cholesterol are present in our bodies.
- 1. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is referred to as good cholesterol.
- 2. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and Triglycerides are also called bad cholesterol.
5 Things To Avoid Bad Cholesterol
1. Unhealthy diet: Consuming food rich in saturated and trans fat increases cholesterol levels.
- A. Saturated Fats, Dairy products (whole milk, cream, ice cream, cheese), Tropical oils (coconut, palm)
- B. Trans fats- Hydrogenated fats (margarine, peanut butter, non-dairy creamers, and whipped toppings), Processed snacks (potato chips, cookies, cakes, icings)
- C. Refined carbohydrates- Sugars (table sugar, powdered white sugar, corn syrup), Instant grains (instant oatmeal and rice), Flour (wheat, rice, corn)
- D. Dietary cholesterol- Red meat, shellfish, and poultry skin
2. Obesity: It has a direct association with increased levels of cholesterol. Lack of physical activity, over-eating, and excess fat accumulation in the body result in obesity thus, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Cigarette smoking: Smoking injures the linings of the blood vessels and results in coronary artery diseases in people with high cholesterol levels. It also lowers the level of good cholesterol in the blood.
4. Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too many alcoholic drinks can increase triglycerides levels in the blood.
5. Irregular health check-ups: There are usually no signs and symptoms of high cholesterol levels therefore regular health check-ups should be done to avoid bad cholesterol.
The key factor to understand is that the most powerful tool comes from grocery stores and not from pharmacies, so choose your tools wisely….!
