When the causes of death in the world and in our country are investigated, cardiovascular diseases take the first place. There are many factors that can contribute to the development of heart diseases. High cholesterol is one of these factors. Cholesterol is a lipid involved in vital functions in our circulatory system. Cholesterol, most of which is produced from the liver, can also be taken into the body through food. The level of cholesterol in the blood is very important. An increase in cholesterol levels can cause serious damage to the body, such as atherosclerosis, and even death. As a result of vascular occlusion, the heart cannot be fed adequately and cannot perform its functions. Therefore, keeping cholesterol in balance is very important for a healthy and quality life. Cholesterol-lowering foods should be preferred in order to reduce the damage that may occur due to the increase in cholesterol level.
What is Cholesterol? What Does Cholesterol Do?
Cholesterol, in its simplest definition, is a blood lipid. Cholesterol is also found in the brain, nerves, heart, muscles, liver in the body. It takes part in the digestive and endocrine systems in the body. It ensures the preservation of the water balance of the metabolism. It plays a role in the production of membranes of cells, which are the building blocks of the body.
Cholesterol is obtained in two ways: Intake by Food and Production from the Liver. Cholesterol is taken into the body thanks to animal foods such as meat, eggs, milk and dairy products in our diet. Another source of cholesterol is the liver. The liver is actually responsible for removing cholesterol. However, for the production of hormones and vitamin D, the liver releases sufficient cholesterol to the bloodstream.
The daily cholesterol requirement is approximately 1 gram. The liver, which is the main source of cholesterol, can meet 70% of the daily requirement, the rest is taken into the body from animal foods through food. Taking or producing cholesterol, which is vital for metabolism, increases the level of cholesterol in the blood.
There are two types of cholesterol:
- HDL (good cholesterol): It cannot be taken through food. It is produced by the liver. It is called high density protein. It ensures that the excess cholesterol in the blood is carried to the liver and keeps the cholesterol level in the blood balanced.
- LD L (bad cholesterol): Proteins produced in the liver and responsible for carrying cholesterol to the blood. The increase in blood can lead to serious health problems such as hardening of the arteries, vascular occlusion, sudden stroke, and heart attack.
What are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?
Increased cholesterol in the blood It can be pretty quiet. The amount of cholesterol in the blood is determined by clinical findings and blood tests. Studies have shown that the following symptoms are frequently encountered in patients with increased cholesterol levels:
- Yellow oil glands on the face, eyelids, hands and tendons,
- Staining on the skin,
- Weakness and fatigue,
- Chest pain,
- Dizziness,
- Bruises occurring in the body,
- Dyspnea,
- Numbness in feet and legs,
- Delayed healing of wounds,
- Pale skin appearance.
How Cholesterol Lowers ?
High cholesterol, which is caused by genetic predisposition, obesity, smoking and alcohol use, unbalanced diet, sedentary lifestyle, long-term medications, advancing age, diabetes, previous liver and kidney diseases, is a lifelong condition. You can keep it in balance with a diet and exercise program and protect yourself from the problems caused by cholesterol. In cases where nutrition and exercise are insufficient, cholesterol level can be reduced with medication under the control of a physician.
What Lowers Cholesterol?
In order to reduce cholesterol, it is necessary to stay away from animal foods and trans fats. Red meat is among the foods that increase cholesterol the most. Milk and dairy products, eggs, margarine, sugar, cream, fries, fast food and foods with high carbohydrate content should be avoided as they will increase cholesterol. In your diet, you should especially choose foods that contain acids that break down cholesterol, are low in fat, rich in fiber, and have poly and monounsaturated fat.
Some of the important foods that help lower cholesterol quickly: is saturated fat. In addition to its positive effects on heart health, olive oil consumed 2 tablespoons a day reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and good cholesterol.
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