Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like material that is produced in the liver and is present in all of the body's cells, including the blood. Its primary role is to preserve the fluidity and structural integrity of cell membranes as well as to act as a precursor for the manufacture of essential compounds for the organism, such as steroid hormones, bile acids, and vitamin D.

There are 3 types of cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL), Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL). HDL is considered to be good cholesterol whereas LDL is considered to be bad cholesterol and Non-HDL cholesterol subtracts your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol number from your total cholesterol number.

Main causes of cholesterol

Lifestyle choices like smoking, eating poorly, and not exercising, as well as an underlying illness like diabetes or high blood pressure, are the main causes of HDL.

The main causes of LDL are excess abdominal fat, insulin resistance, and smoking.

Symptoms of cholesterol

• Angina (chest pain caused by heart disease)
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Other circulatory ailments

Foods that are beneficial for cholesterol

Oats, whole grains, eggplant, okra, beans, apples, grapes, and strawberries are some foods that are beneficial for lowering LDL.

Oatmeal, beans, apples, fatty fish, berries, walnuts, and foods consumed in olive oil are beneficial for HDL.

According to National Center for Biotechnology Information “Recent studies have reported that high cholesterol is present in 25–30% of urban and 15–20% rural subjects. This prevalence is lower than in high-income countries. The most common dyslipidemia in India is borderline high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and high triglycerides.”

A modest quantity of blood cholesterol is required because the body utilizes it to create the framework of cell membranes. Regular exercise can help efficiently in the management of cholesterol.

(Disclaimer: The content on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be taken as professional medical advice.  Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other health professionals for any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.)