Here's Why You Have High Cholesterol: Tips To Keep It Under Control, Prevent Heart Disease

Cholesterol is something which can be both good and bad for the body. If it is at a normal level, it is important for the body. But if the concentration of cholesterol gets too high, it ends up becoming a silent killer for people with heart disease. Cholesterol has important functions to play when it comes to digesting foods, generating Vitamin D and producing hormones. The body produces cholesterol and there are certain foods that contribute to an increase in cholesterol levels in the body.

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or bad cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or good cholesterol are the two kinds of cholesterol in the body.

Also read: Can Eating Eggs Raise Your Cholesterol Levels?

RELATED STORIES

Does Daylight Saving Time Affect Your Health?

In this article, we'll examine the potential health impacts of DST, explore how it influences various body functions, and consider strategies to help adjust to the time change smoothly.

Understanding The Difference Between Heartburn And Heart Attack

This article explores the differences between heartburn and heart attack symptoms, helping readers understand when to seek emergency care and when to consider lifestyle changes or medications for digestive relief.

What causes high cholesterol?

High cholesterol levels in the body can increase risks of coronary heart disease and cause heart attack. Build up cholesterol can narrow arteries and result in atherosclerosis. This condition causes restriction of blood flow to the heart.

Eating foods with lesser fat can help in managing cholesterol levels. Consumption of meat, dairy products, deep fried foods and processed foods must all be controlled in order to prevent high levels of cholesterol.

Foods high in trans fats (fried and processed foods) must be avoided as they can not only lead to obesity, but can also contribute to high levels of cholesterol.

Foods high in trans fat can increase cholesterol levels in the body
Photo Credit: iStock

Also read: 3 Tablespoons Of This Drink In A Day Will Help You Lose Belly Fat And Lower Cholesterol Levels

Besides, people with diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), pregnancy, liver or kidney disease and underactive thyroid gland are at risk of high cholesterol.

High cholesterol, just like high blood pressure, shows no symptoms. Thus, it is important to get regular blood tests for keeping a track on your cholesterol levels.

Following are foods that you should have regularly as they help in keeping your cholesterol levels under control:

Beans, vegetable oil, nuts, fruits, eggplant, okra, whole grains, fatty fish, fibre-rich foods and nuts (when consumed in controlled amounts) are all good for keeping your cholesterol levels under control.

As mentioned above, processed foods, deep fried foods or foods with high saturated fat and trans fat can contribute to an increase in cholesterol levels.

Also read: 5 Ways To Increase Your HDL Or Good Cholesterol Levels

How to prevent high cholesterol?

Living a healthy lifestyle is the single most effective way to keep your cholesterol levels under check. Make sure you consume a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly. Quit smoking, consume less alcohol and try to maintain a healthy weight. These tips will not only prevent incidence of high cholesterol, but will also help in reducing risk of heart disease and heart attack.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.