Cholesterol in simple terms

What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a lipid/fat which is produced by liver and is crucial for normal body functioning.
Cholesterol exists in outer layer of every cell.

Importance of cholesterol-
-It is required to establish proper membrane permeability - It guards and determines which molecules can pass through.
-It is essential for the production of bile, hormones and is important for metabolism of several fat soluble vitamins.

What is HDL, LDL?
Cholesterol is a waxy steroid and thus it is slightly soluble in blood
Lipoproteins help to tranfer cholesterol throughout the body.
Based on density, lipoproteins can be broadly classified as-
- Low density lipoproteins(LDL / bad cholesterol)- carries cholesterol from liver to cells of the body
- High density lipoproteins(HDL/ good cholesterol)- collects and carries cholesterol back to liver from various body tissues.
- Very low density lipoproteins(VLDL)- Triglyceride is the main component of VLDL

Cholesterol levels-
Desirable-Less than 200 mg/dl
Borderline- 200- 239 mg/dl
High- 240 mg/dl and above.
Abnormal levels of cholesterol such as high LDL or low HDL are a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

How does cholesterol cause heart attack-
When there is too much of cholesterol, it builds up in the walls of arteries. Overtime, it hardens and arteries get narrowed and thus blood flow to the heart is slowed down or blocked. If the blood supply is completely cut off, the result is HEART ATTACK!!!
Go for blood test even though you may be physically fit, young or lean. I am not scaring you..but remember...
He who has health has hope; and he who has hope has everything

Simple ways to lower cholesterol-
- Exercise daily( 30mins, atleast 5 days a week)
- Eat healthy(avoid non veg/ products from animal and oily items)
- Quit smoking/ alcohol consumption

You may be wondering on why I am asking you to avoid non-veg items...
Non-veg items are source of cholesterol. Liver produces enough cholesterol required by our body. So additional intake of cholesterol through nv will obviously raise levels of cholesterol, especially bad cholesterol.

Will post more on recipes which can lower cholestrol....