Cholesterol Talk

I've just taken my blood test result, and as expected, my chols is high. sigh. Higher than last year. a long sighh.. Weird, no? im still young, i sometimes exercise, control my food intake (do i?) but still my chols is high. hurmmm...... neway, it runs from the blood. Hafta accept that it is somehow part of genetic and part of eating nonsense.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like substance that is found in your blood and in every cell in your body. it is essential to your health as it is required by your body to form certain tissues and hormones. However, if your blood cholesterol level is too high then you may be at risk from heart disease.

Are there different kinds of cholesterol?

Yes, there are but most commonly known types are

1. Low density lipoprotein or LDL Cholesterol

Excess LDL cholesterol builds up wintin your arteries and may lead to heart disease. The higher the level of LDL , the higher risk for heart disease. That is why LDL cholesterol is often called bad cholesterol.

2.High density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol

HDL also known as good cholesterol since it is believe to remove excess cholesterol from the blood. High level of HDL seems to protect against heart attack and reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. Triglycerides

Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood stream. Persons with a high blood triglycerides may also have a high level of LDL, or very low HDL level.

How can I reduce my blood-cholesterol level?

Dietary Modification

You should limit the amount of saturated fat (meat, diary products, coconut oil) as well as cholesterol in your diet. take more high-fibre foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains,. If possible, choose low-fat or non-fat dairy milk products and increase intake foods that contain mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Strict dietary therapy can lower total cholesterol by 5% - 10%.

Weight Reduction

If you are overweight, you should take steps to achieve and maintain your ideal body weight. Weight reduction helps to increase HDL Cholesterol levels.

Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise increases HDL level ("Good cholesterol)", reduces the risk of heart disease and can also help to control weight, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

There you go, my cholesterol talk. I know its boring. But it is important for me and for you. If you haven't had your blood test, please do so. Don't wait until you are 40, because its already too late.