Not every person monitors the level of cholesterol in their blood. Some do not even know that there is good and bad cholesterol. Only those who have already experienced the unpleasant consequences of its increase in the blood begin to track the level of this substance.
What is cholesterol
Cholestrin is a fat-like substance. It cannot be unequivocally said that it is a poison for the body, because it is part of the cell membranes in the human body. Moreover, the body itself produces most of it, and the rest enters the bloodstream through food.
For a long time, all fighters for a he althy lifestyle sat on low-cholesterol diets, and then their he alth deteriorated sharply. So is low cholesterol good or bad? Doctors answer unequivocally that cholesterol is important and necessary for a person. Only its excess is harmful to the body. A large amount of the substance contributes to the occurrence of atherosclerosis and forms plaques that are dangerous to he alth. They can cause strokes, heart attacks and brain diseases.
What is cholesterol
It is necessary first of all to note that there is good and bad cholesterol. Bad blood cholesterol forms plaques, the negative effect of which has already been discussed above. A good one is a very dense substance. It has a positive effect on human he alth and cleanses the body of bad cholesterol.
When taking blood for an appropriate test, the doctor in the laboratory first of all looks at the atherogenic index. This is when good, bad cholesterol is present in the blood, and their ratio is found out. If it is established that antherogenicity has been impaired and is lagging behind the norm, then the doctor predisposes the patient to the development of atherosclerosis.
Ideally, if the patient monitors his he alth and monitors the correct ratio of bad and good cholesterol in the blood. But, unfortunately, not everyone does it.
Who is prone to cholesterol problems?
It's no secret that there is a certain group of people who are more prone to developing atherosclerosis than others. Cholesterol is good and bad, or rather its abnormal ratio, negatively affects human he alth. This is especially true for overweight people.
Also, people with a predisposition to this disease can suffer from high cholesterol. These are men who are over 40 years old and women who have already had menopause. Also, the appearance of cholesterol plaques mainly worries those people who lead a sedentary lifestyle, smoke, or oftendrink alcohol in large quantities.
Doctors strongly recommend that all people who fall into this risk group undergo an annual blood test for antherogenicity. It is also worth especially monitoring the level of cholesterol for those men and women who have already suffered diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Benefits of cholesterol
In addition to the fact that cholesterol is the building material of body cells, with its help a person can produce bile acids. It is only thanks to bile acids that the digestive process proceeds correctly and smoothly.
In addition, cholesterol, when its amount is normal, contributes to the production of female and male sex hormones. Moreover, without it, the normal amount of hormones would be in question.
Also, with the help of cholesterol, an energy reserve is produced in the body. This reserve has a positive effect on many biological mechanisms within a person.
Therefore, cholesterol, good and bad, is an essential substance that must be present in the body. In no case should it be ignored, just as it is not recommended to specifically lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.
Norm of blood cholesterol
So, above, what cholesterol is, and the risk group was identified. Now you need to understand when the right ratio is good and bad cholesterol. The norm, according to generally accepted concepts, is set at the level:
- total cholesterol - 5 mmol/l;
- bad at the same time should not exceed 3 mmol/l;
- good must be at least 1.5 mmol/l.
By the way, bad cholesterol is also important for the human body, and it is not necessary to exclude foods containing it from the diet. This substance has a positive effect on the state of the immune system of the human body. Without it, a person will often get sick, and the immune system will not be able to cope even with the simplest bacteria.
What foods contain good and bad cholesterol
A person who has decided to take care of his he alth immediately has the question of how to increase good cholesterol and lower bad?
In fact, the level of this substance is easier to lower than to increase. In order for good cholesterol to be normal, and its concentration in the blood does not fall, it is necessary to regularly eat sea fish, nuts, fruits (especially apples). Olives, as well as soy, also increase good cholesterol. A person can supplement his diet with other products, for example, containing fiber and pectin. They cleanse the body of excess bad cholesterol.
To lower bad cholesterol, nutritionists recommend eliminating or eating with caution the following foods:
- brains;
- egg yolk;
- chicken eggs;
- kidneys;
- liver;
- fatty fish;
- fat dairy.
They, of course, are all good for the body,however, if they are abused, cholesterol will increase and, first of all, bad.
Unsaturated fatty acids against cholesterol plaques
Nutritionists strongly recommend the use of unsaturated fatty acids to those people who have discovered that they have abnormal good and bad cholesterol. What it is? These are acids that are found in large quantities in foods with a high calorie content, but of plant origin.
A huge amount of unsaturated fatty acids is found in almonds, peanuts, oranges and mustard oil. It is these products that are excellent for lowering cholesterol levels, and also disperse already formed plaques.
However, it must be remembered that measure is needed everywhere. Almost all of the listed products have a huge calorie content. With increased use, you can earn obesity.
How to lower cholesterol
People with very high cholesterol need to know how to lower it. Of course, the doctor will make adjustments to the diet, but you can additionally help yourself.
In order to drastically reduce cholesterol, it is important to reduce the amount of animal food consumed, as well as increase the proportion of plant foods in your diet. Eat more fiber-rich fruits (citrus fruits and apples).
You also need to introduce into your life and exercise. It doesn't have to be strenuous exercise. A light walk is enoughjogging. By the way, cardio training also helps to strengthen blood vessels and the heart muscle.
If after three months the level of cholesterol remains high, then the person needs to see a doctor and ask to understand the reason. Most likely, the doctor will prescribe medication to the patient.
After that, it is necessary to control cholesterol once a year. To do this, it is enough to take a blood test for atherogenicity.
