The word Cholesterol was derived from the Greek words ‘Cho (meaning bile) – stereos (solid)-ol (alcohol)’. This was earlier known as Cholesterin, and later as Cholesterol. The blood is water based, cholesterol is oil based, and so you got idea of how they don’t mix with each other.
The funniest part is, cholesterol is considered as something bad, and the truth is too much of anything is bad, and so is cholesterol. Cholesterol, being a vital agent for the production of hormones, Vitamin D and to aid the digestion process, is really helpful when produced in adequate amounts. The liver has the responsibility of making it in adequate amounts, and the other sources of our diet add to it, which causes undesired cholesterol to circulate in our blood.he word Cholesterol was derived from the Greek words ‘Cho (meaning bile) – stereos (solid)-ol (alcohol)’. This was earlier known as Cholesterin, and later as Cholesterol. The blood is water based, cholesterol is oil based, and so you got idea of how they don’t mix with each other.
The two types of Cholesterol are: LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), which is undesirable cholesterol present in your blood, and HDL (High Density Lipoprotein), which is desirable cholesterol in your blood. The major contributors to increased level of cholesterol are: Trans-fat and saturated fat. The other diseases that contribute to the cholesterol levels are: PCOS, Thyroid problems, Liver and kidney diseases, steroids, female hormone imbalance etc.
High cholesterol need not show any notable symptoms. Some with high cholesterol may experience frequent headache. This is when the blood vessels are surrounded by the cholesterol. Painful hands and feet, chest pain can also be the consequences of unwanted cholesterol.
It is ideal to have healthy diet that includes nuts, fruits, oats, whole gains, soy, fatty fish and even fibrous foods to lower the cholesterol level. It would be great if you could say a big ‘NO’ to the food that contains full fat milk products, cake and baked food, fried foods, processed foods, red meat etc. In short, avoiding added sugars, trans fat and saturated fats are very essential to maintain the cholesterol level.
Nutritional labels can be sometimes misleading. Even the 0 mg cholesterol mentioned in the branded oil and ghee packages, forces us to choose them, which often creates the problems which we are never aware about.
It is believed that children don’t develop any issues from cholesterol. But the studies have made it clear that the kids above age of 8 can develop cholesterol due to overweight, overeating and hypertension.
A major myth which had been blindly accepted by the people is the concept of avoiding egg or egg yolk from diet. The egg yolk which we blame for bad cholesterol builder is in fact a source of phosphor lipids that generate HDL (good cholesterol) .Taking 1-2 eggs daily gives essential nutrients and proteins to the human body.
Another concern generally raised is regarding the consumption of peanut butter. Peanut butter, being rich in natural proteins and fats, and fiber, serves as a good food when eaten with moderation.
In the recent studies, it has been found that the viral infectious effects (like COVID-19) majorly increases on the people having high cholesterol levels. Cholesterol related problems are majorly visible in the heart and leads to severe diseases like heart attack, kidney diseases and even deadly stroke as well.
Statins reduce the possibility of heart disease against cholesterol, but might cause problems with muscles, and sometimes diabetes, to some of them using these for longer period.
The best and ideal ways to be adopted in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle would be brisk walking, cycling, swimming, exercise, sports etc; which can lower the cholesterol level. It is advisable to get the cholesterol checked in every 5 years.
Lemon juice acts as a natural cleansing agent. Having lemon juice daily reduces LDL. Consuming avocado, tomato, ginger and garlic in adequate amounts are also desirable foods against cholesterol.
Cholesterol test kits are widely available to be tested at home too. The strips in the test kit changes colours when blood droplets are placed. These colours are then compared with the colours in the guide for the results. Electronic home test kits are also available where the strips are inserted to devices for measuring the level of cholesterol.
