Cholesterol – this “terrible” word frightens us from TV screens, doctors speak about it. And this is not surprising — sometimes this substance can really become a source of many problems.
Conventionally, cholesterol is divided into “bad” and “good”. But what lies behind these concepts? And most importantly, how to protect yourself and your health?
This is a terrible word – cholesterol
Until recently, cholesterol was a real subject of mass hysteria. Now it has already begun to decline, but its echoes are still evident in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. For a long time it was believed that it is in excess of cholesterol are all the roots of heart disease and blood vessels.
Only relatively recently it became known that not all cholesterol is a health hazard. Moreover, if this substance is not enough in the body, the body will not be able to fully function.
Cholesterol performs the following functions in the body:
- provides cells with material to build cell membranes;
- it is involved in the synthesis of vitamin D — which means that bone density indirectly depends on it;
- participates in the formation of hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands and thyroid gland;
- it helps to increase stress resistance.
However, in the case of cholesterol, as with any other substance, there is a simple rule: excess is bad for the body, as well as a lack. Balance can not escape!
What types of cholesterol are harmful and why
Cholesterol can be “good” and “bad” — this is a well-known truth. Doctors also call good cholesterol high-density lipoproteins, and bad — respectively, low.
Low-density lipoproteins – structure, which does not accept participation in the transportation of cholesterol throughout the body. It is in this form that the substance settles on the walls of the arteries. As a result, atherosclerotic plaques are formed, which often scare patients doctors. The lumen of the vessel due to this plaque becomes smaller, and the blood flow is significantly weakened. Here is a direct path to cardiovascular disease!
Previously, it was believed that the main reason for excess cholesterol – irrational nutrition. However, studies have shown that this factor is not in the first place, and not even in second place. The body can have a lot of “bad” cholesterol due to:
- excessively active its production in the liver;
- violations of the processes of excretion of matter from the body;
- irrational nutrition (nutrition as a risk factor is already in third place!).
Prevent the appearance of cholesterol plaques
Excess bad cholesterol – a condition dangerous to the body. Of course, atherosclerotic plaques are not formed immediately, but this process, though slow, but steady. Naturally, you want to protect your body from such negative changes.
A number of simple activities can help:
- if a person has signs of obesity, it is recommended to adjust the weight;
- rational, feasible physical activity – the key to long-term health of the body in General and the cardiovascular system in particular;
- nutrition correction is one of the main ways to prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
Smoking is another important factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Moreover, scientific studies have shown that smokers have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease! This is also explained by the fact that nicotine contributes to the accumulation of “bad” cholesterol in the body. So Smoking cessation is an important part of prevention.
A common mistake – a complete rejection of the use of products containing cholesterol. This substance is important for the normal functioning of the body, and therefore it can not be completely excluded from the diet in any case! Another thing is that the amount of cholesterol should be monitored and, if necessary, reduced.
Cleanse the body of already accumulated cholesterol
But it is not enough to start taking measures to ensure that the body no longer accumulates “bad” cholesterol. It is also necessary to cleanse the body of the substance that has already accumulated in the body. Soluble fiber can help in this difficult matter. The substance acts as a “broom”, removing from the body all harmful substances, toxins, including “bad” cholesterol.
But where to get soluble fiber? One of the available options is the active use of fruits and vegetables. However, to cover the needs of the body in this substance, you have to eat a lot of plant food, and this is not always possible.
Cholesterol – a real horror story of the XX century. However, in reality everything is not as scary as it seems! Cholesterol is a useful substance if it is not too much, and if a person cares about his digestion was in order.
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