The Myth of Cholesterol

The Myth of Cholesterol:

 

Cholesterol is a waxy sterol substance produced by certain cells of the human body and is a vital lipid component required to protect nerves, make up nerve tissue and regulate cell membrane fluidity. The main sources of cholesterol in the blood are the liver, dietary intake and heredity. Cholesterol can be categorized into two types based on its presence in the human body: high density lipo-proteins and low density lipo-proteins. These two cholesterol types should balance each other in order to maintain normal and healthy levels in the body. This is because cholesterol is good when present in the right levels, but it can prove to be a health risk leading to heart attack, stroke and kidney failure when it exceeds the limits; therefore it is a good idea for everyone to become prudent and get a basic idea of cholesterol levels.  

 

The following List represents the desirable and undesirable levels of fats in our body:

Total Cholesterol Levels:

Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL

Border line- High Risk: 200–239 mg/dL

High Risk: 240 mg/dL and over

 

Low-Density Lipo-proteins:

Desirable: Less than 100 mg/dL

Border line- High Risk: 130 to 159 mg/dL

High Risk: 160 mg/dL and over

 

High Density Lip-proteins:

Desirable: 40 to 50 mg/dL for Man

50 to 60 mg/dL for woman

Border line- High Risk: Less than 40 to 50 mg/dL for Man

Less than 50 to 60 mg/dL for woman

High Risk: Less than 40 to 50 mg/dL for Man

Less than 50 to 60 mg/dL for woman

 

Triglyceride Levels

Desirable: less than 150 mg/dL

Border line- High Risk:150–199 mg/dL

High Risk:200 mg/dL and over

How to reduce bad cholesterol levels:

The right way to deal with the bad cholesterol is by taking the right control measures which typically means:

• Increasing the daily physical activities, following fitness programs, modifying one’s lifestyle.
• Maintaining Body- Mass Index within the normal range
• Taking fiber rich foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grams, pulses, fish, walnuts, oatmeal.
• Replacing polyunsaturated oils with canola oil, olive oil.
• Many researchers have proven that almonds despite its fat content reduce low density lipo-proteins, bad cholesterol in the blood. Take about two and half ounces of almonds per day.
• Avoiding fatty foods like cakes, ice creams, butter, fried food, whole milk, egg yolks, processed food, rice and other starchy foods.

For better and more efficient results consult your physician and follow the instructions without fail.  

sirisha palsam
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