Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid and is vital in order for the body to function normally. It is mainly made by the liver but can also be found in some foods that we eat.
Having an excessively high level of lipids in your blood (hyperlipidemia) can have a detrimental effect on your health.
Cholesterol is carried in your blood by proteins. When the two combine they are called lipoproteins. There are harmful and protective lipoproteins known as LDL and HDL.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) carries cholesterol from your liver to the cells that need it. If there is too much cholesterol for the cells to use, it can build up in the artery walls, leading to disease of the arteries. For this reason, this type of cholesterol is known as “bad cholesterol”.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) carries cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver, where it is either broken down or passed out of the body as a waste product. For this reason, it is referred to as “good cholesterol” and higher levels are better.
Causes
There are many factors that can cause high cholesterol, including the following:
an unhealthy diet: some foods already contain cholesterol (known as dietary cholesterol) but it is the amount of saturated fat in your diet which is more important
Smoking: a chemical found in cigarettes called acrolein stops HDL from transporting LDL to the liver, leading to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
There is also an inherited condition known as familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). This can cause high cholesterol even in someone who eats healthily
Symptoms
There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, which is why it is extremely important for you to be regularly checked by your GP and to be aware of your family’s medical history.
Supplements that may help to relieve High cholesterol
Oat bran combines with bile salts (produced by the liver from the cholesterol) and is, therefore, carried out through the bowel it aids in the removal of cholesterol from the body, -histamine, therefore, helps lessen the severity of allergy symptoms.
Lecithin helps in redistribution and breakdown of fats in the bloodstream and artery walls, which is useful in reducing cholesterol levels and in turn ensuring a healthy heart.
Fish oils contain EPA and DHA, which can help in the prevention of the blood from clotting. Also, increases the HDL levels.
Garlic may help in reducing fat accumulation in the blood vessels, raises HDL, lowers total cholesterol after a fatty meal, reduces high blood pressure and raises low blood pressure, as well as traditionally being used as an antibiotic, anti-fungal and a decongestant.
Fenugreek helps reduce high cholesterol levels by reducing intestinal absorption.
Tumeric anecdotal evidence suggests it may help lower cholesterol levels
Linseed rich in linoleic acid which may help break down cholesterol deposits
Green teacontaining catechins, may block intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body.
Psyllium (Ispaghula)rich in mucilage and fibre, lowers cholesterol levels by eliminating excess bile salts.
Super one may help to provide vitamin and mineral intake
Soya Isoflavones are associated with cholesterol reduction
Recommended lifestyle changes
Eat a healthy diet as it is important to keep your diet low in fatty food (especially saturated fats) and to eat lots of fruit, vegetables and wholegrain cereals. This will also help to prevent cholesterol from returning.
Other lifestyle changes can also make a big difference. It will help to lower your cholesterol if you do regular exercise and quit smoking.
