Cholesterol is important for many different functions in the body. It participates in the production of hormones and the metabolism of certain vitamins, and also serves as a building block of cell walls. However, persistently high levels of this compound have a negative impact on health. What could be the reasons for such a condition?
Cholesterol is a type of lipid, a naturally occurring substance in the blood. It is an essential building block of cell membranes and is involved in cell production processes throughout the body. However, it happens that the concentration of this compound exceeds the limit needed for proper functioning. We are talking about total cholesterol, which is divided into LDL and HDL fractions. One should aim for the lowest possible concentrations of the former and the highest possible concentrations of the latter, although both together should not exceed certain set values.
High cholesterol levels can lead to the formation of fatty deposits in the walls of blood vessels and to a slowing of blood flow. This impedes the transport of oxygen and nutrients through the circulatory system.
What are the causes of high cholesterol?
An unhealthy lifestyle is the most obvious cause of high concentrations of
Bad eating habits
Dietary cholesterol is found in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Increased levels of this substance are also associated with the consumption of tropical oils, including palm and coconut, and trans fats, often found in processed foods.
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of regular physical activity makes it difficult for the body to get rid of excess cholesterol.
Smoking
It causes damage to the tissue lining the walls of blood vessels, which facilitates the accumulation of cholesterol deposits in them.
To combat the above factors, it will help to reach for professional help from a trainer and nutritionist. The latter can recommend enriching the menu with citrus fruits, which contain numerous polyphenols. These are compounds that can act to regulate the body’s lipid metabolism. Particularly rich in polyphenols is bergamot orange juice powder. This ingredient is present in Berimal, a scientifically tested dietary supplement.
- A tendency to higher cholesterol levels can also be inherited, as the body’s natural ability to get rid of excess cholesterol is genetically determined.
- Gender and hormones also seem to play a role, as premenopausal women tend to have lower cholesterol levels than men. Pregnancy, on the other hand, can cause its concentration to rise.
- The formation of cholesterol levels also depends on age: as the body ages, its ability to remove excess of this compound decreases. This process begins after the age of 40. age.
Cholesterol has important functions in the body, but if its level is too high, it can have negative effects. Higher concentrations of this substance often do not give visible external signals. For this reason, many people may not be aware of their condition. Therefore, even in the absence of alarming symptoms, it is worth checking cholesterol levels, especially if the risk factors described above are met. A simple blood test, which can be ordered by a family doctor, is enough to determine it.