Maintaining Cholesterol Levels
June 22, 2009
A waxy substance present in our body that protects our nerves, makes some new cells and produces certain hormones is called cholesterol.
The liver produces cholesterol, which is needed by our body. Cholesterol present in the food items that we eat is extra for the body. If the cholesterol level increases in the body, it can have several bad effects on the body such as it can cause heart attack or stroke.
There are two types of cholesterol’s in the body. One is called LDL (low density lipoprotein), which is bad for health and second is HDL (high density lipoprotein), which is good for health.
The extra cholesterol in the body gets stored in the arteries and causes them to become narrow and hard. Too much deposition of cholesterol can even block the arteries completely thereby causing a heart attack or stroke.
You can reduce the cholesterol levels by keeping some simple things in mind. Stop eating food, which is high in fat like cheese, butter, animal fat and some dairy products. Eat food items that cut or reduce the cholesterol levels like garlic, onion, soy and products of soy, oats and carrot juice. Turmeric is a natural antiseptic, which also helps to reduce the cholesterol as it acts as antioxidant. Take a fiber rich diet as it also helps to reduce the cholesterol. Eat fruits with lower fats and have fresh green vegetables.
Another important aspect is to change the life style. Do regular exercise on daily basis and try to maintain your ideal weight. Activities such as swimming, cycling and walking are said to be cardio exercises, which should be done regularly.
Yoga and meditation also help to reduce the bad cholesterol levels in the blood. Regular sessions of yoga reduce the stress hormone that lowers the cholesterol.
If you smoke and have high cholesterol levels, then you must quit smoking as it also increases the cholesterol.
Always keep a constant check on your cholesterols levels. Consulting a doctor is helpful as he can prescribe some medicines that are made to reduce the cholesterol levels.
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