The Cholesterol Blog
Oxidized Cholesterol – All you need to know! It’s been quite some time now that scientists has been warning people about the havoc wreaked by the less talked about form of cholesterol-oxidized cholesterol-but this topic is still relatively untouched. This article is all about oxidized cholesterol. Read on! We’re an affiliate We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it! What is oxidized cholesterol? Also known as oxycholesterol, oxidized cholesterol forms when cholesterol reacts with oxygen. This process mostly occurs when cholesterol containing foods are fried or grilled. Oxidized cholesterol has been found to be even worse for the cardiovascular health than LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (rather notoriously known as the “bad cholesterols”). What does science say about oxidized cholesterol? Research about oxidized cholesterol first surfaced in 2009 when a group of Chinese scientists from the Chinese University of Hong Kong first presented their research findings at the 238th American Chemical Society’s national meeting in Washington, DC. The study comprised animal studies, comparing the effects of a diet high in oxidized cholesterol against diet containing ordinary cholesterol in hamsters. The results were rather astounding. There was a 12% increase in blood cholesterol level in the hamsters that were fed low strength of oxidized cholesterol and an alarming 22% increase in total cholesterol in hamsters that were fed high strength of oxidized cholesterol, as compared to the hamsters that were fed ordinary cholesterol. There was more to the results… The above-mentioned figures were just the start of the horror story. The researchers went on to show the even-more-alarming finding that hamsters that were fed oxidized cholesterol had more and larger atherosclerotic plaques (fat deposits) in their blood vessels as compared to hamsters that were fed ordinary cholesterol. Oxycholesterol was found to have even more disastrous effects on the blood vessels health than ordinary LDL cholesterol. How does oxidized cholesterol harm the body? Scientists aptly described the process by which oxidized cholesterol harms the body. Ordinary cholesterol is removed from the body by macrophages-the defense cells. Oxycholesterol reacts with macrophages differently and has more potential to stick to walls of arteries as compared to the ordinary cholesterol. When plaque formation starts as a result of injury to the blood vessel walls, platelets, inflammatory cells and macrophages are sucked into it. Oxycholesterol containing macrophages, being more sticky than usual, only aggravate the plaque formation process and the plaque resultantly grows in size. The lumen of the now rigid arteries is narrowed and the risk of vessel diseases like stroke and heart attack increases multi-fold. Which foods contain oxidized cholesterol? Oxidized cholesterol is found mostly in fast foods including Burgers Steaks Fried foods like French fries and fried chicken Margarines etc. Strategies to counter the effects of oxidized cholesterol Here is how you can combat the detrimental effects of oxidized cholesterol on your health. Healthy lifestyle: Exercise can help keep your metabolism active. Smoking hastens along the oxidation process, as does alcohol consumption. Avoiding alcohol and smoking, combined with regular exercise, can help prevent oxidized cholesterol formation. Anti-oxidants rich diet: A diet rich in anti-oxidants, which can neutralize the effects of oxidized cholesterol can help prevent the oycholesterol-induced damage. Anti-oxidants can help block the oxidative processes going on within the body which form oxycholesterol in the first place. Anti-oxidants are abundantly found in foods like Whole grains Fruits Green leafy vegetables Beans Berries, especially raspberries and blackberries Kale Artichokes Nuts etc. Statins: Statins have been shown to play important roles in lowering the circulating levels of oxidized cholesterol and may help overcome the health hazards posed by oxidized cholesterol. Resources https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/newsreleases/2009/august/little-known-type-of-cholesterol-may-pose-the-greatest-heart-disease-risk.html https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/cc13695
Read MoreWhy Does High Cholesterol Run In Families Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the term used for high blood cholesterol that is passed down in families. Let’s learn more about what it is and why it happens. What is familial hypercholesterolemia? It is an inherited condition that causes high blood cholesterol to run in families. It is basically a genetic defect that begins at birth and increases the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases at a very young age. What causes familial hypercholesterolemia? The familial tendency to high cholesterol is passed down due to a defect on the chromosome 19. This defect makes the body unable to remove the low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol –the bad cholesterol-which gradually piles up. This trait is passed down in an autosomal dominant manner which means that the trait can be passed down in children even if one of the parents carries this defective gene. As LDL cholesterol progressively surges in quantity, the likelihood of cholesterol plaques deposition in arteries increases. People with familial hypercholesterolemia are more prone to developing narrowing of vessels (atherosclerosis) from a very young age. What is the morbidity risk for FH? People with familial hypercholesterolemia are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like angina, heart attack and stroke as compared to the general population. If the trait is acquired from both the parents, the risk of these diseases is abnormally high and so is the mortality risk. Men with familial hypercholesterolemia are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases almost 20 years earlier than general male population and about 50% of them are at risk of having a second heart attack or stroke before they reach the age of 50. In women, the risk is even higher. Women with familial hypercholesterolemia are at risk of developing cardiovascular abnormalities 30 years earlier than women of similar age and about 1/3rd of these women are prone to recurrence of these diseases before they reach the age of 60. How to diagnose familial hypercholesterolemia? The evaluation for FH should be done as soon as possible at very young age. FH may be diagnosed on the basis of Detailed history including family history Physical examination Lab testing including fasting lipid profile Imaging including coronary angiography and carotid Doppler to evaluate cardiovascular risk Molecular and genetic testing-for definitive diagnosis How is familial hypercholesterolemia treated? The condition cannot be controlled by lifestyle changes like diet and exercise alone. People with FH are started on statins (lipid lowering medications) very early on. People with abnormally high LDL cholesterol levels may be advised LDL apheresis– a procedure that removes cholesterol from blood in the same way dialysis removes toxins from blood. Injectable antibodies may be used to treat this condition. This treatment is practiced on a limited scale right now. References Santos RD, Gidding SS, Hegele RA, Cuchel MA, Barter PJ, Watts GF, Baum SJ, Catapano AL, Chapman MJ, Defesche JC, Folco E. Defining severe familial hypercholesterolaemia and the implications for clinical management: a consensus statement from the International Atherosclerosis Society Severe Familial Hypercholesterolemia Panel. The lancet Diabetes & endocrinology. 2016 Oct 1;4(10):850-61. Soutar AK, Naoumova RP. Mechanisms of disease: genetic causes of familial hypercholesterolemia. Nature clinical practice Cardiovascular medicine. 2007 Apr;4(4):214-25.
Read MoreWhat is lipid profile and what does it tell you? Lipid profile is one of the most common tests done to assess the level of cholesterols in the body. It is an indicator of the cardiovascular health. Let’s learn more about why this test is done and what do the numbers indicate. What is lipid profile? Lipid profile measures the level of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (TGs) in your body. Why is Lipid Profile done? The lipid profile gives an idea about the cardiovascular health. It is usually done for Cardiac risk assessment Planning cardiac treatment Initiation and monitoring of statins therapy-the anti-lipid medication How is the test done? Lipid profiling can be done at any time of the day. However, for total cholesterol level, the test is usually done in the fasting state after overnight fasting of 8-12 hours in adults. The duration is lesser in children (4-8 hours). The test is taken on an empty stomach as it gives a more accurate picture of the total lipid levels of the body since meal intake may temporarily raise the lipid levels in the blood stream. Lipid profiling is an invasive blood test. For this test, a sample of blood is taken, usually from the veins in the wrist or the forearm. Except for a slight needle prick, the test does not cause much pain. What are the “goal values” for lipid profile? Total cholesterol should be 75-169 mg/dL for those age 20 and younger and 100-199 mg/dL for those over age 21. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol should be greater than 40mg/dL. Low density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol should be less than 70 mg/dL for those with heart or blood vessel disease; less than 100 mg/dL for high risk patients; and less than 130 mg/dL for individuals who are at low risk for heart diseases. Triglycerides (TG) levels should be less than 150 mg/dL. What if My Lipid Profile is deranged? Any values not falling within the abovementioned limits indicate derangement of the lipid metabolism and need expert evaluation by a medical specialist. The earlier the underlying cause is detected, the sooner can treatment be initiated which can help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases in future. References https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17176-lipid-blood-tests https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tr6155
Read MoreCommon myths about cholesterol Do you believe these common myths about cholesterol too? There is so much information available about cholesterols, sometimes it becomes really hard to separate myths from facts. We are going to bust the 3 most common myths about cholesterol in this article. We’re an affiliate We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it! Myth 1: All cholesterols are bad Fact: Not all cholesterols are bad, some are essential for normal body functions. As much as the word “cholesterol” is feared by the general population, what needs to be understood is the fact that certain amounts of cholesterols are needed in healthy amounts to carry out normal bodily functions. Cholesterols play important roles in the body, like forming cellular structures and providing insulation for nerve cells. Cholesterols are also needed for the production of certain hormones, especially steroid hormones. However, when you start consuming too much fatty foods that cause excessive cholesterol buildup in your body, that’s when you need to start worrying. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol-a.k.a the “bad cholesterol”- is the one that is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes whereas the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterols are the “good cholesterols that are beneficial for heart health. Myth 2: You don’t need to get tested for cholesterol until middle age Fact: It is imperative to get tested as early as possible, especially in the case of positive family history. High cholesterol can creep on you silently. At times, the first episode of angina, heart attack, or stroke is the first time that people learn about their high cholesterol levels. People with high blood pressure and diabetes are even more at risk so get tested as early as possible so that appropriate timely treatment can be started to keep a lid on the cholesterol levels. Myth 3: Only fat people can have high cholesterol Fact: Thin, lean people can also have high cholesterol levels Visuals can be deceptive. Having excess body weight is not the only indicator of high cholesterol levels. Even thin people can have high cholesterol levels without ever knowing it. These people are more at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases since they don’t exactly adhere to a healthy lifestyle, eating whatever they want and leading a sedentary lifestyle since they think they are safe from the onslaught of high cholesterols, never knowing what is building up inside. Bottom line Always rely on reliable information, from a physician or verified websites when searching for online information as sometimes, misinformation can be a bigger killer than the disease itself.
Read MoreCholesterol and Cardiovascular Health It is a known fact that excessive cholesterol in the body has a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular health. But how is it related to the heart and blood vessels? Let’s find out. What is normal cholesterol cycle in the body? Up to 80% of the cholesterol is usually synthesized within the body in the liver and intestines. Cholesterols are also taken up in diet. Excessive cholesterol is excreted by the liver into the bile where bile acids break down the cholesterols into constituent products, which are then eliminated from the body via stools. What happens when there is too much cholesterol in the body? When the cholesterol intake exceeds its consumption in the body, the excessive cholesterol starts piling up. Excessive cholesterol mainly gets deposited in the liver and the fat cells called adipocytes. Too much cholesterol also gets deposited in the walls of blood vessels in the form of plaques. How do cholesterols cause cardiovascular diseases? Plaque formation hardens the walls of the arteries and compromises the pliability of these blood vessels. The plaques also cause narrowing of the lumen of the blood vessels. The hard and narrowed arteries cause an increase in the blood pressure in the same way as a garden hose delivers high pressure of water when its diameter decreases. The narrowing of blood vessels of the heart (the coronary arteries) compromises the blood supply to the heart cells. When the heart muscles don’t get enough blood, their function is compromised, leading to angina pain. When these narrowed and hard blood vessels in the heart are completely blocked by the cholesterol plaques, the heart cells start dying as their blood supply is cut off. The result is severe chest pain in the form of a heart attack. Similarly, narrowing of the blood vessels carrying blood to the brain cells (the carotid blood vessels), compromises the blood supply to the brain. When the blood supply to a part of the brain is completely blocked due to cholesterol deposits, the brain cells function is compromised in the form of a stroke. Heads up! Prevention is definitely better than cure. Now that you know how cholesterol affects your heart and blood vessels, it is better to start taking preventive measures in the form of a healthy diet and active lifestyle to decrease blood cholesterol levels. Keeping the cholesterol levels under check is certainly easier than taking heart or stroke medications lifelong. References 1. Kratz M. Dietary cholesterol, atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. InAtherosclerosis: Diet and Drugs 2005 (pp. 195-213). Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. 2. Silbernagel G, Schöttker B, Appelbaum S, Scharnagl H, Kleber ME, Grammer TB, Ritsch A, Mons U, Holleczek B, Goliasch G, Niessner A. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, coronary artery disease, and cardiovascular mortality. European heart journal. 2013 Dec 7;34(46):3563-71.
Read MoreHome Workouts for Fat Loss – let’s get moving! 3 Fail-Safe Home Workouts for Quick Fat Loss Along with diet, exercise still remains one of the proven methods for keeping your cholesterol levels in check for ideal body weight. Ever since the pandemic hit the world, at-home workouts have become popular. This article is all about what kind of home-workouts can help you lose all that stubborn fat but before we go any further, here’s a pro tip: consistency is the key when it comes to exercise. We’re an affiliate We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it! What Kind of Workouts Work Best for Weight Loss? Science says that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is superior to moderate-intensity continuous exercise in order to promote fat loss1. High-intensity interval training refers to short, high-intensity workout intervals alternating with periods of rest and low activity. This kind of workout routine not only helps burn more calories than a continuous workout but also increases endurance. The trick of HIIT is to pick any sort of cardio exercise of your choice like cycling and choose a fixed time period like 15-20 minutes as per your tolerance. Start with low-level activity, move to full intensity activity for the stipulated period and gradually slow down back to low-level activity. Here are some HIIT workout routines that you can follow at home. Running Start with a slight trot; break into a jog; run at full intensity for 15-20 minutes; slow back down bit by bit; and come back to a walk. You can run around the block or at a treadmill, whichever is more convenient for you. 6 step HIIT routine for cholesterol health You can time this routine according to your endurance level or according to the number of times you do each of the steps. Start by jogging in one place. With your feet slightly apart, start reverse lunges on alternate sides. Move on to squats, tapping each hand on the floor In between the squats. On all fours, tap each of your hands to the foot of opposite side. The next step is skaters. While balancing on your left leg, jump to the left. Repeat the same step to the right. The last step is the forearm planks. Balance on forearms placed parallel to each other for a fixed time period. Squat thrusts After warm-up, repeat the following routine for 10-20 minutes with short periods of rest in0between. Drop from standing position into a squat with both palms flat on the floor. Kick back into a plank position. Kick forwards back into a squat. Go back into standing position. Repeat. References Abbasi J. For Fat Burning, Interval Training Beats Continuous Exercise. Jama. 2019 Jun 11;321(22):2151-2.
Read More3 Fun Recipes to Get Rid Of Stubborn Fat Fast We’re an affiliate We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it! It is imperative to keep your cholesterol levels within strict check to avoid deposition of fat in the body. Not only does it help you keep in shape, but also has a great impact on your cardiovascular health. Nature has bestowed organic foods with amazing fat-losing potential but if the daily intake of food substances like ginger and kale, sounds like too much of an effort, let us walk you through some fun recipes that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine for optimal cholesterol control to get rid of all that stubborn fat. Broccoli soup The bioactive compounds present in broccoli help improve metabolism. Research has shown broccoli extracts to reduce the size of the fat cells and improve glucose tolerance mechanisms in the body1. Recipe: You can boil broccoli (along with any other veggies of your choice), strain, top up with light spices, and voila-you have your very own broccoli soup for quick fat loss. Free and Easy Organic Broccoli and Kale Soup, 400 g, Pack of 6 by TLC Cholesterol November 18, 2020 Don’t Like To Cook – Buy This Free&Easy Soup Ginger tea Bored of regular teas? It is very easy to include ginger in your regular tea to hasten along the weight loss process while enjoying a great cup of tea. Ginger is a common household item that has been shown to have great antioxidant potential. The compounds present in ginger have been shown to promote fat loss2. Recipe: Here’s the simplest way to make ginger tea. Simply add a small piece of ginger to water, bring it to boil, turn the flame off, cover and let it simmer for 2 minutes. The tea is ready. Add sugar to taste. You can add a slice of lemon for an added twist. VAHDAM Citrus Ginger Herbal Tea Tisane (100 Cups) 100% NATURAL DETOX TEA, Ginger, Lemongrass, Orange Peels, Spearmint, Peppermint Ginger Tea Loose Leaf with Delicious Citrusy Notes 100 gm (Pack of 2) by TLC Cholesterol November 18, 2020 Don’t Want To Make It – Buy This Vahdam Tea Kiwi Smoothie Kiwi fruit is known for its weight-loss properties. Research shows that regular intake can help improve fat metabolism of the body3. Recipe: Add 1 sliced kiwi fruit to the blender (you can add any of your favorite fruits like bananas and green apples). Add unsweetened yogurt, milk, or even plain water as per your preference. Blend well and enjoy it. The Best Healthy Smoothies for Weight Loss: 53 Simple Green, Low-Carb Smoothies for Detox and CleansingKindle Edition by TLC Cholesterol November 18, 2020 Like Smoothies – Buy Healthy Smoothie Book References Aranaz P, Navarro-Herrera D, Romo-Hualde A, Zabala M, López-Yoldi M, González-Ferrero C, Gil AG, Martinez JA, Vizmanos JL, Milagro FI, González-Navarro CJ. Broccoli extract improves high fat diet-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis and glucose intolerance in Wistar rats. Journal of Functional Foods. 2019 Aug 1;59:319-28. Park SH, Jung SJ, Choi EK, Ha KC, Baek HI, Park YK, Han KH, Jeong SY, Oh JH, Cha YS, Park BH. The effects of steamed ginger ethanolic extract on weight and body fat loss: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Food science and biotechnology. 2020 Feb 1;29(2):265-73. Qu L, Liu Q, Zhang Q, Liu D, Zhang C, Fan D, Deng J, Yang H. Kiwifruit seed oil ameliorates inflammation and hepatic fat metabolism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Journal of Functional Foods. 2019 Jan 1;52:715-23.
Read MoreCholesterols – Let’s get started! We commonly come across the terms ‘good cholesterol’ and ‘bad cholesterol’ when talking about the types of fat in the human body. But what makes these cholesterols good or bad? How much of these cholesterols are good for your health? This article answers all these questions quite aptly. Let’s talk about cholesterols in detail. We’re an affiliate We hope you love the products we recommend! Just so you know, we may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Thank you if you use our links, we really appreciate it! Types of Fats/Lipids Warning: science ahead. There are basically three types of fats/lipids found in the human body. Sterols also known as cholesterols, are water-insoluble and need carriers to be transported through the bloodstream. Phospholipids form many crucial structures within the human body like cell membranes. Triglycerides naturally occur in nuts, avocados, etc. and form more than 95% of the lipids. Types of Lipid carriers Owing to their water-insoluble nature, lipids like cholesterols or triglycerides need carriers for them to be transported through the body. Lipoproteins are the molecules that carry lipids through the body from one point to another. Estimation of the amount of these carrier proteins within the body gives an idea about the amount of lipids/fats bound to them. There are basically three important types of lipoproteins within the body. High-density lipoproteins (HDL): Also known as the “good cholesterol”, high-density lipoproteins are a type of fat carriers that carry cholesterol from different parts of the body to the liver to be broken down and eliminated from the body. Due to their ability to lower cholesterol levels in the body, they are labeled as “good”. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): Low-density lipoproteins are the types of fat carriers that cause build-up and deposition of fats in the body structures, such as the fat cells (adipocytes) or walls of blood vessels. Since they increase the amount of cholesterol in the body, they are deemed the “bad cholesterol”. Very Low-density Lipoproteins (VLDL): Produced by the liver, VLDLs are similar in function to the LDLs in the sense that they carry fat into the tissues and result in a buildup of fat within the body. Hence, they are another type of “bad cholesterol”. However, they differ from LDLs in that while LDLs carry cholesterol, the VLDLs carry the triglycerides-another type of fat. How much of these Lipids and Lipoproteins are good? Gear up; you are about to be hit by some hard-core math. While talking about lipids, we usually talk about HDLs, LDLs, and triglycerides. These are the molecules that give us an estimate of lipid health. The following table gives us an idea about how much of these lipids should be present within the body. Reference Range High-Density Lipoproteins (HDLs) Greater than 40 mg/dL Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDLs) Less than 70 mg/dL for those with heart or blood vessel disease and for other patients at very high risk of heart disease (those with metabolic syndrome) Less than 100 mg/dL for high-risk patients (e.g., some patients who have multiple heart disease risk factors) Less than 130 mg/dL for individuals who are at low risk for coronary artery disease Triglycerides Less than 150 mg/dl References https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11920-cholesterol-numbers-what-do-they-mean https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK305896/ https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/hdl-good-ldl-bad-cholesterol-and-triglycerides
Read MoreImprove Cholesterol Levels with theses 4 Lifestyle Changes That Will Improve Your Cholesterol Levels Cholesterol is a fatty substance made in the liver and is essential for many bodily functions such as cell membrane formation, hormone production, and food digestion. It is also present in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy products. High levels of cholesterol are harmful to your body. There are two types of cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is also known as the “bad cholesterol, “while HDL is also referred to as “good cholesterol.” An unhealthy lifestyle is one of the leading causes of high cholesterol in our bodies. Amazingly, there are no symptoms of high cholesterol in the body, but it can increase the risk of heart diseases, heart attack, and stroke. You can naturally lower your cholesterol level by observing a healthy lifestyle. Read on to discover. Observing Your Diet You are what you eat, and a few adjustments to your diet can reduce cholesterol in your body. Saturated fats and Trans fats raise the overall cholesterol level in the body. Saturated fats are mainly found in red meat and full-fat dairy products while Trans fats are used in margarine, vegetable shortening, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and fried foods. Reducing the consumption of these fats will help you reduce the LDL cholesterol in your body. Increasing foods rich in soluble fiber such as oatmeal, kidney beans, lentils, citrus fruits, and apples in your diet helps to reduce cholesterol in your body since it reduces its absorption in the bloodstream. Other heart-healthy foods include Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel, herrings, and walnuts. Exercising and Increasing Your Physical Activity Studies show that the right kind of workouts, done regularly can raise the good cholesterol in your bloodstream. It also lowers dangerous triglycerides levels. You can incorporate regular exercise in your day to day life by walking, jogging, or cycling. Few studies also show that exercise can aid the transport of cholesterol from the bloodstream to the liver, where it is finally excreted. But, people with heart conditions should seek medical advice before engaging in intense physical activity. Losing weight Being overweight is a risk factor for heart diseases. Shedding excess weight even as little as 5% of your body weight can significantly improve your cholesterol levels. It helps to lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglyceride levels and can also help to raise your HDL (good cholesterol). Quitting the Smoking Habit Smoking damages your arteries and blood vessels, which can make them more prone to clogging by excess cholesterol. A combination of high cholesterol and smoking sets a stage for stroke and heart attack. Although there is no conclusive research that shows how smoking alters the levels of LDL, it worsens its effects on the body. It also creates an environment that leads to the breakdown of LDL into a state that is more toxic to the blood vessels. Besides, Acrolein, a toxic substance present in the gas phase of cigarettes and tobacco smoke, interferes with the functionality of HDL by attacking the protein. This hindrance leads to more fat accumulating in the bloodstream and other parts of the body. Experts estimate that smokers have a higher chance (2 to 4 times) of developing heart diseases than non-smokers. Did these tips help to Improve Cholesterol Levels for you? Let us know on our Facebook Page!
Read MoreQuarantine Cholesterol Slowing You Down? Here’s What You Need To Do Getting tired of seeing your flabby belly getting even flabbier ever since the pandemic has forced you to be constrained at home? Read on for 3 most effective strategies to get rid of all that bad cholesterol to get back into shape (and leave everyone wondering how). Diet, diet, and diet It goes without saying that your diet is the single most important factor that determines your body type. Junk diet (like fried stuff, fizzy drinks etc) high in fat and cholesterol can lead to accumulation of excessive fat within the body. Obesity is the inevitable result. You need to watch every single morsel that goes into your mouth. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to shun all fats. You need healthy fats (like HDL cholesterol) in right amounts balanced with the right amounts of carbs and proteins for a healthy body. Making a diet plan (and sticking to it, no matter what) can go a long way in losing all those extra pounds. Exercise away Utilize all that free time on your hand to get your body back into shape. You don’t need any sophisticated equipment to workout at home. Sign up for online workout classes to get you going. Aerobic exercises specifically designed to target the areas of fat accumulation (belly, buttocks, thighs etc) can help tone your body by melting away those layers of fat and increasing the lean muscle mass. The key is persistence-don’t stop even if you feel like giving up. That reward of a perfect, fat-less body is too good to give up on. Where there is a will, there’s a way Most importantly, persist. If you believe it, you can do it. Believe in yourself that you are capable of getting into a great shape. This decision should not stem from the desire to impress others but in an effort to adopt a healthy and disease-free lifestyle as obesity only paves way for cardiovascular disease. Don’t reach for that cheeseburger even if your mind whispers it’s just one cheat meal or stop exercising just because it won’t matter if you don’t do it one single day. A sound mind in a sound body is possible only when you adopt a pro-active approach towards a positive lifestyle through sheer hard work and dedication. Is Quarantine Cholesterol slowing you down? Leave a comment on our Facebook Page!
Read More