In a life that is far from being relaxing, it is no wonder that people are fast becoming victims of high blood pressure and cholesterol. Cholesterol is a silent and slow killer and can even be life threatening especially because it has the capability to choke the arteries and thus causing a situation for heart attacks.
Technically speaking, cholesterol is a wax like substance that is found in the lipids (fats) and gets accumulated in arteries. Cholesterol can be good as well as bad. There are mainly two types of cholesterol: the HDL (high-density lipoprotein) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). If the HDL cholesterol level is high then you are safe because it is the good cholesterol but if the LDL is high and the HDL low then your life is at a potential risk of heart attack and other heart problems.
How do we get cholesterol?
There are two ways of getting cholesterol. One way is through intake of food that is high in unsaturated fat like dairy products, meat, poultry, eggs, and milk. It is also produced within the body where the liver contributes almost 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol each day. Normally, there is a certain amount of cholesterol that is required by the body to fulfill its internal requirements and this is taken care of by different organs within the body. On the outside the more saturated fatty acids you will consume, the higher the risk of cholesterol.
It is the Trans fat that raises the blood cholesterol and somewhere dietary cholesterol also plays a major role. It is estimated through research that the average American man is consuming around 337 milligrams of cholesterol per day while women are averaging around 217 milligrams per day.
The liver plays an important role in removing excess of dietary cholesterol but if your diet is more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol then you are definitely heading towards trouble. If you already have heart disease, then your limit for cholesterol consumption should be lower than 200 milligrams a day. If you keep your consumption of dietary and trans fat lower then you will be fine.
If you are overweight then there is a possibility that you might have high cholesterol. The best option is to go on a strict diet and lose as much weight as possible so that the bad cholesterol level can be brought down.
How to lower bad cholesterol
The best way to lower bad cholesterol is through regular exercises or physical activity, which has to be complemented by a diet that doesn't contain any Trans fat. This will help increase the level of HDL cholesterol and lower the LDL or bad cholesterol. Physical activity or exercises on a regular basis will keep you fit, healthy and help you to lose and control your weight. Aerobic exercises and brisk walking are considered two of the best exercises to fight cholesterol. You can also indulge in sports like swimming, soccer, badminton and jogging.
Last but not the least: Avoid smoking and alcohol!
The author is a writer, entrepreneur, and social worker. He is associated with writing about weight loss and severe medical conditions affecting the youth and adults of today. You can learn more at: easyfatlosstips.info easyfatlosstips.info
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