In case you didn’t know–cholesterol is a waxy substance produced in the liver. It is actually found in the fats (lipids) in the blood. Although the body needs cholesterol to keep building cells that are healthy, having high cholesterol can put you at the risk of having a heart disease.
People who have high cholesterol may develop fatty deposits in their blood vessels. And eventually, these deposits can make it hard for adequate blood to flow through the arteries. The heart may not get enough oxygen-rich blood as it requires, which increases the risk of a heart attack. When blood flow to the brain decreases, it can result in a stroke.
High cholesterol can be hereditary, but it’s often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices. However, with regular exercise, healthy diet, and in some cases, medication, high cholesterol can be reduced.
Symptoms and Causes of High Cholesterol
Interestingly, high cholesterol has no symptoms. Only a blood test can tell how high cholesterol is in the body.
While attached to proteins, cholesterol is carried through the blood. A combination of cholesterol and protein is known as a lipoprotein. There are different types of cholesterol, depending on what type of cholesterol the lipoprotein carries. They include:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol helps in transporting cholesterol particles all over the body. LDL cholesterol also builds up in the walls of the arteries, causing them to become hard and narrow.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL).HDL, or “good,” cholesterol picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to ther liver.
Some controllable factors such as obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and inactivity, may contribute to low HDL cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol. Other uncontrollable factors like genes may make the liver produce excess cholesterol or inhibit cells from removing LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Factors that May Increase the Risk of High Cholesterol
The following factors may increase your risk of high cholesterol:
- Unhealthy Diet
Are you aware that consuming animal products containing saturated fats, and trans fats, used in producing certain commercially-baked crackers and cookies, can increase cholesterol levels? Additionally, it is best to avoid red meat and fatty dairy products because they are foods that are high in cholesterol.
- Obesity
A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above can put anyone at risk of high cholesterol.
- Large waist circumference
The risk of high cholesterol increases in men who have a waist circumference of at least 102 centimeters (40 inches) and in women with a waist circumference of at least 89 centimeters (35 inches).
- Inactivity
Exercises are helpful in boosting the body’s HDL, or “good,” cholesterol. They also help in increasing the size of the particles that make up the LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol, making it less harmful.
- Smoking
Smoking cigarette can damage the walls of the blood vessels, and may cause them to start accumulating fatty deposits. Smoking could also reduce the level of HDL, or “good,” cholesterol.
- Diabetes
When blood sugar is high, it increases LDL cholesterol and lowers HDL cholesterol. High blood sugar can also cause damages to the lining of the arteries.
Complications of High Cholesterol
- Development of atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a build-up of cholesterol on the walls of the arteries. These plaques can affect blood flow through the arteries result in complications such as:
- Chest pain
If the coronary arteries responsible for supplying blood to the heart are affected, it may lead to chest pain (angina) and other symptoms of coronary artery disease.
- Heart attack
Blood clots may form at the rupture points, if plaques tear or rupture. This may prevent the flow of blood and cause a heart attack.
- Stroke
If there’s a blockage to blood flow to certain parts of the brain by a blood clot, a stroke is likely to occur.
Prevention
Some healthy lifestyle changes can help lower cholesterol levels. To help prevent high cholesterol:
- Eat low-salt diets made up of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
- Eat animal fats and good fats in moderation
- Shed extra weight and maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking
- Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes
- Avoid alcohol or drink in moderation
Foods that Can Reduce Cholesterol
According to a report from Harvard Health, the following foods can actively decrease cholesterol levels:
- Okra
- Vegetable oil
- Oats
- Eggplant
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Fruits such as grapes, citrus, apples and strawberries
- beans
- soy and soy-based foods
- Fiber-rich foods
- Fatty fish (especially sardines, tuna and salmon)
You need the above mentioned foods to maintain a balanced diet that can help keep cholesterol levels in check.
Also, be wary of foods that are bad for cholesterol levels. These foods include:
- Margarine
- Baked foods
- Red meat
- Hydrogenated oils
- Full-fat dairy
Garcinia Cambogia for High Cholestrol
High cholesterol has serious effects, but fortunately, it can be treated naturally. Garcinia cambogia is one herbal supplement that can impede the body’s ability to convert carbs to fats. This can cause an increase in glycogen in the liver. In fact, Garcinia is a natural supplement that promotes minimal fat production and lean muscle mass. Further, it prevents the production and accumulation of fat. It also helps to lower cholesterol naturally.
One excellent feature of this amazing herbal supplement is its ability to reduce blood lipid levels and lower blood cholesterol through its main component, Hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Garcinia cambogia also has the unique ability to lower cholesterol level, regardless of whether the individual loses body fat or not. Apparently, it is preferred to other conventional drugs because of its negligible side effects.
The Other Benefits of Garcinia Cambogia
- The primary advantage of Garcinia Cambogia is that it helps to control food cravings. Taking the supplement about one hour before eating can help to suppress appetite. This appetite suppressant is vital to the achievement of your weight loss regimen.
- Another benefit of Garcinia Cambogia is that its anti-oxidants component helps to reduce fat cells in the body. If you are uncomfortable with your waistline and want to shed a few pounds, additional this supplement will help you to dispose of it pretty fast. The estimated amount of fat that you can lose with this supplement is ten pounds every month and you wouldn’t even need to change your diet.
- Garcinia Cambogia is also well-known for its energy-boosting function.
The Bottom Line
Several studies and clinical trials have found that Garcinia Cambogia has the ability to significantly induce weight loss. Although there is some debate on the effectiveness of its main active ingredient, hydroxycitric acid. However, HCA has been associated with appetite suppressing hormone activities, and overall body fat reduction.
Though, as always, we advice that you should discuss the use of any supplement with your doctor, Garcinia Cambogia is generally regarded as safe. As a matter of fact, there have been little to no side effects reported.
Garcinia Cambogia supplements offer several major health benefits. Unfortunately, the overzealous marketing of the supplement for weight loss has negatively affected its perception in the minds of many.
