In this article we’ll discuss abut foods for cholesterol patients but first let’s discuss about what Cholesterol is :

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood it’s vital for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D.

Cholesterol doesn’t dissolve in water, so it can’t travel through your blood on its own. To help transport cholesterol, your liver produces lipoproteins.

Cholesterol is need by your body to build healthy cells but when level of cholesterol increases it becomes dangerous to heart .

Ideal cholesterol levels 

As we know Cholesterol is need by your body to build healthy cells but when level of cholesterol increases it becomes dangerous to heart . Fatty deposits are developed in blood vessels because of high CHOLESTEROL 

Total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered desirable for adults.

200 and 239 mg/dL is on the other hand considered borderline and 240 mg/dL is considered high.

In today’s world  high CHOLESTEROL problem can be seen in many adults and is not a good thing for your health . The following picture displays how CHOLESTEROL blocks your vessel:

In the above picture you can clearly how BAD CHOLESTEROL is blocking the ARTERY .

What causes increase in cholesterol levels ?

CHOLESTEROL is naturally produced by liver as we have discussed and we have also discussed about LIPOPROTEINS , Lipoproteins are particles made from fat and protein. They carry cholesterol and triglycerides (another type of lipid) through your bloodstream. The two major forms of lipoprotein are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): LDL, the “bad” cholesterol, transports cholesterol particles throughout your body. LDL cholesterol builds up in the walls of your arteries, making them hard and narrow.

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL):  HDL, the “good” cholesterol, picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.

 So what really causes the increase in CHOLESTEROL which becomes fatal for our health?

• Poor diet:Eating too much saturated fat or trans fats can result in unhealthy cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are found in fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products. Trans fats are often found in packaged snacks or desserts. For cholesterol diet click here
• Obesity:Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts you at risk of high cholesterol.
• Lack of exercise:Exercise helps boost your body’s HDL, the “good,” cholesterol.
• Smoking: Cigarette smoking may lower your level of HDL, the “good,” cholesterol.
• Alcohol :Drinking too much alcohol can increase your total cholesterol level.
• Age : Even young children can have unhealthy cholesterol, but it’s much more common in people over 40. As you age, your liver becomes less able to remove LDL cholesterol.

Complications caused 

• Heart attack:If plaques tear or rupture, a blood clot can form at the plaque-rupture site — blocking the flow of blood or breaking free and plugging an artery downstream. If blood flow to part of your heart stops, you’ll have a heart attack.
• Chest pain :If the arteries that supply your heart with blood (coronary arteries) are affected, you might have chest pain (angina) and other symptoms of coronary artery disease.
• Stroke : Similar to a heart attack, a stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to part of your brain.

Prevention

• Eat a low-salt diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains
• Quit smoking
• Limit the amount of animal fats and use good fats in moderation
• Drink alcohol in moderation or for better say no to alcohol
• Exercise on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes and maintain ideal body weight. For Personal Training by professionals click here
• Manage stress

Foods for cholesterol patients

• Leafy green vegetables , Lettuce and fresh vegetables
• Oats and food rich in fiber
• Brown rice
• Whole grain pasta and Whole grain cereal and Whole grain bread
• Tofu and low fat paneer
• Fish , chicken and eggs
• Sweet potato
• Seeds ( chia seeds , flax seeds etc.)
• Low fat dairy products
• Beans and peas
• Whole grains and nuts ( almonds ,peanuts , cashews etc)
• Low sugar fresh fruits (pears , apple , melon ,cherries grapes , strawberry , blueberry etc)

Foods to avoid 

• Red meat ( mutton , pork etc)
• Processed foods
• Refined Flour ( Maida )
• White bread and White rice
• Chips and packed snacks
• High Fat dairy products ( cheese , butter , whole fat milk)

Conclusion

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood it’s vital for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D.

Total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) are considered desirable for adults.

200 and 239 mg/dL is on the other hand considered borderline and 240 mg/dL is considered high.

CHOLESTEROL is naturally produced by liver as we have discussed and we have also discussed about LIPOPROTEINS , Lipoproteins are particles made from fat and protein. They carry cholesterol and triglycerides (another type of lipid) through your bloodstream. The two major forms of lipoprotein are low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

 So what really causes the increase in CHOLESTEROL which becomes fatal for our health?

Poor diet , Obesity , lack of exercise , smoking , Alcohol , Age.

Complication caused

: Heart attack , chest pain , stroke.

Prevention : Low salt diet , No smoking , limit amount of animal fats , No to alcohol , daily exercise , manage stress.

Foods for cholesterol patients: Leafy vegetables , oats , brown rice, whole grain food , tofu & low fat milk , fish , chicken , eggs , sweet potato , seeds etc.

Foods to avoid: Red meat , processed foods , refined flour , white rice & bread , packed foods etc.

Alert 

We don’t suggest any sort of advice or cure to your disease this article is only for knowledge purpose. To know more about cholesterol click here. If your problem is too serious then visit your doctor immediately.