Why Do You Have High Cholesterol?

 

Cholesterol can be a byproduct of fat, but before that, it’s an important substance produced by the body to help its normal functions. It’s like insulin; when it’s normal, it benefits the body, and when the levels are high, it can be very dangerous. In the worst cases, it can increase a person’s risk of getting a heart attack.

Since cholesterol is oil-based, it has some trouble mixing with the blood, which is water-based. As a result, it travels in channels known as lipoproteins.

Cholesterols are usually classified by the channels they pass through, and there are two. The first is HDL (high-density lipoprotein), otherwise referred to as bad cholesterol, and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), otherwise known as good cholesterol. 

What Are the Benefits of Cholesterol in the Body

Cholesterol has a poor reputation, but it serves several vital roles in the body.

It’s important for the formation and upkeep of cell structures and membranes.

In addition, the cholesterol’s ability to enter between cellular fat molecules results in a more permeable barrier. It insulates the body and makes it easy for body temperature to switch easily.

Cholesterol is also required to synthesize important hormones such as progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen. Even the liver uses it to produce bile which breaks down and digests lipids.

What Causes of High Cholesterol

The chance of getting higher cholesterol may rise if you consume an excessive amount of foods rich in cholesterol, trans fats, and saturated fats. Being overweight is also a risk factor. Other risk factors are inactivity and smoking.

Your risk of developing high cholesterol increases if either of your parents has it. Your family history may also play a role in whether or not you end up with high cholesterol. Parents determine the genetic makeup of an individual. How your body handles lipids and cholesterol is programmed into your DNA.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a very unusual cause of elevated cholesterol. Most people with this illness possess total cholesterol levels over 300 mg/dL and LDL levels over 200 mg/dL, as the National Human Genome Research Institute reported. This hereditary condition makes it impossible for your body to get rid of LDL.

When Is Your Cholesterol Level Considered High?

The American Heart Association recommends maintaining total cholesterol levels lower than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Borderline high levels are estimated to be between 200 and 239 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), whereas levels of 240 and up are considered extremely high.

How Do You Prevent High Cholesterol?

You can lower your cholesterol levels or keep them healthy by making four key changes in your daily lives. You can eat well, exercise frequently, reduce smoke, and manage weight.

Taking these measures will lower your odds of developing coronary heart disease, getting a heart attack, or having high cholesterol.

You should eat saturated fat-rich meals in moderation. Saturated-fat-rich foods are high in cholesterol and can increase your general cholesterol level. Cheese, palm oil, sweetened dairy items, and fatty meats are all foods containing saturated fats.