Cholesterol is a fatty deposit, which occurs naturally in all parts of the body and is necessary for the body to function normally. It is one of several types of fats (lipids) that are essential to good health. Because of its reputation as a risk factor for heart disease, it is mentioned only in negative terms. However, cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes and vital to the structure and function of all your body’s cells.
Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can be harmful and lead to a condition in which fat and cholesterol are deposited in the walls of the arteries. It is currently recommended that your total cholesterol level be less than 200mg/dl. Every 1% reduction in your cholesterol lowers your risk level 2%. If your
Bad cholesterol (Low density Lipoprotein) is higher than 130mg/dl, your cholesterol is probably too high.
Good cholesterol (High density Lipoprotein) should be greater than 35 mg/dl and.1
Triglycerides should be less than 200 mg/dl.
Prevention
The most important approach for lowering high cholesterol is a healthy lifestyle and diet. Losing weight can help lower your LDL and total cholesterol levels, as well as raise your HDL. The main goal in lowering cholesterol is to lower your LDL and raise your HDL. There are two main ways to lower cholesterol: eat a heart-healthy diet and take cholesterol-lowering medications.
Diet
Eating healthy food can help lower your LDL cholesterol level.
Eat more fruits and vegetables.
Choose low-fat or nonfat dairy products.
Eat a variety of fiber-rich foods, like oats, dark breads and apples.
Limit saturated fats, like dairy fats (in ice cream and butter) and palm and coconut oil (in baked goods).
Limit high-cholesterol foods, like egg yolks, organ meats (such as liver) and shellfish.
Eat more broiled or grilled fish and skinless chicken breasts.
Advice
Exercise Regularly: Exercise increases flexibility and improves circulation.
Reduce the Intake of Salt.
Eliminate the use of caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
Maintain a Health Weight. Being overweight is associated with high blood pressure.
Keep your cholesterol level under control : Cutting your cholesterol by 25 percent lowers your stroke risk by 29 percent, according to an analysis of 16 studies by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston