Cholesterol is an important substance in blood that helps producing hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol helps the body process fats and it is responsible for the formation of cell membranes. The body makes cholesterol by itself. Cholesterol is critically important for life.
On the other hand, too much cholesterol is very bad. It is stored on the walls of the blood vessels and may cause heart issues and diseases and other problems.
High concentration of cholesterol in the blood means significant health risks for the human.
Cholesterol Levels
- Normal blood cholesterol level – below 5.16 nmol
- High normal blood cholesterol level with some risks – 5.16 to 6.18 nmol
- High blood cholesterol level – above 6.18 nmol
Risks of High Cholesterol Levels
Above 6.18 nmol cholesterol in the blood is a problem.
It attaches on the walls of the blood vessels at high concentrations levels. It is a long process and for a long time a person might be relatively all right. But suddenly, the heart attack or other heart problems might occur.
Clogged arteries can cause atherosclerosis; the vessels may become completely clogged at critical time and may lead to severe heart attacks, strokes and other serious conditions.
High Blood Cholesterol – The Causes
Patients must take special medications that reduce production of cholesterol, but it is always important to follow a special diet.
Bad cholesterol is found in fatty foods which contain animal fats.
The key is to limit these foods to the minimum and replace them with vegetable fats. The overall diet should be better – it should contain lots of fresh fruit and vegetables.
So if you have problems with high cholesterol levels, prefer a low-cholesterol diet. You should prefer foods rich in vegetable and fruit carbohydrates, fibre and vitamins.
You should AVOID these foods
- foods rich in animal fats (pork)
- butter, fatty milk, processed cheese
- bacon, salami
- eggs
Genetics can play a major role in production higher cholesterol levels in the blood, too.
Five Other Tips for Lowering Cholesterol
- Reduce or stop with the consumption of fatty foods (foods rich in animal fats like butter, fatty milk, processed cheese, bacon, salami)
- Prefer high quality vegetable oils over the animal sources of fat
- Increase the consumption of vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products
- Keep the correct drinking regime
- Keep fit with moderate sporting activity