Cholesterol Management

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is carried through the blood by particles called lipoproteins. Cholesterol helps build the cell membrane that gives structure and function to the cells. It also makes hormones, vitamin D, and other substances that help in digestion, like bile.

There are two kinds of cholesterol – good and bad. Good cholesterol, also called HDL or high-density lipoprotein, actually helps to clear cholesterol from the body. It carries cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver, which removes it from the body. LDL or low-density lipoprotein, or the bad cholesterol, builds up plaque in the artery walls, narrowing them down and sometimes even blocking them.Our cells themselves prepare all the cholesterol our body needs. When we consume extra cholesterol from dietary sources, it does not fall into the useful category. Excess cholesterol is said to be a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, though a causal connection has not been proven. However, it does lead to other issues such as affecting some areas and functions of the brain, forming crystals or stones in the gallbladder, etc. Apart from unhealthy eating habits, high cholesterol is also caused by smoking and lack of physical activity. Some people are also genetically predisposed to having high cholesterol. In some cases, certain medicines or medical conditions can increase cholesterol levels.