LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad cholesterol.”
LDL – Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol is one of the significant groups of lipoprotein involved in transporting fat molecules or lipids around the body in the extracellular water. They are complex particles, which are mainly composed of multiple proteins.
Explore more: What Is Cholesterol
LDL – Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol is considered bad cholesterol, as it is related to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral artery disease.
The average level of LDL cholesterol should range between 100-130 mg/dL.
A higher level of LDL cholesterol circulating in the blood can slowly form plaques, which blocks blood flow and forms a clot in the blood vessels. This clot formation occurs within the blood vessels near the heart, which is a significant cause of heart attack in an individual.
Explore More: Lipoproteins
Causes Of High Cholesterol
Here, lack of proper diet and heredity plays a significant role in influencing an individual’s LDL cholesterol levels. Diets high in cholesterol and saturated fats raise the levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Cholesterol is not produced by the food we eat, but it is produced by the fatty foods and saturated fat we eat.
There are many factors related to the rise in cholesterol levels, which include:
- Obesity
- Lack of regular exercise and physical activities
- Improper diet includes intake of more red meat, full-fat dairy products, saturated fats, trans fats and processed foods.
Also Refer: Facts about Cholesterol
How to Control High Cholesterol Level
Measures taken to control LDL cholesterol level are:
- Avoid saturated foods
- Avoid fatty foods and fried foods
- Regular exercise with a healthy diet
- Avoid the use of organ and red meats
- Get cholesterol checked at least once a year
- Increase the foods that are rich in fiber quantities
- Avoid or reduce grains and sugar in our daily diet
- Avoid the use of whole cream milk and dairy products
- Avoid smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Increase the intake of steam or boiled foods instead of fried foods
What Are The Benefits Of Lowering LDL Cholesterol?
High cholesterol can be concerning. The impact of lowering LDL cholesterol are:
- Decreases the risk of strokes
- Maintains a healthy and happy life
- Reduces the risk of heart attacks
- Reduces the formation of plaques on the artery walls
Foods that help in lowering LDL cholesterol level include:
- Fiber supplements
- Barley, whole grains and beans
- Oils like olive oil and coconut oil
- Oats, avocados, raw nuts and seeds
- Fruits like: apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits
- Foods with added sterols like orange juice, chocolate, etc.
The rise in LDL cholesterol level enters the bloodstream, which is related to an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Therefore, it is important to maintain cholesterol levels. The best ways to reduce the LDL cholesterol levels are by having a balanced diet, including fibre-rich food products, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy BMI, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use.
Also Refer: Vitamins and Minerals
This was a brief introduction to LDL cholesterol, the risks, factors associated with higher LDL cholesterol levels and other related topics at BYJU’S.
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