CHOLESTEROL – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 94 million adults aged 20 and older in the U.S. have borderline cholesterol levels. However, this condition often appears without any real symptoms, so you may not even know that you have it until you visit your doctor. Want to know what cholesterol is, what significance it has for our health, and what the optimal levels of cholesterol are? You’ll find all the information you need in this article. If you're curious about what causes high cholesterol, what to do if you have it, and whether there are ways to reduce it (hint: there are), keep reading to find all the answers.
Cholesterol is a type of lipid. It’s a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally produced by the liver. It’s crucial for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones, and vitamin D. Cholesterol does not dissolve in water, so it cannot travel through the blood on its own. To help transport cholesterol, the liver produces lipoproteins.
Lipoproteins are particles made of fats and proteins. They carry cholesterol and triglycerides, another type of lipid, through the blood. The two main forms of lipoproteins are:
Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) – These transport cholesterol to the arteries. If there is too much LDL cholesterol in your blood, you may be diagnosed with high cholesterol, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes if left untreated.
High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) – Often called "good cholesterol," it helps return LDL cholesterol to the liver for elimination, reducing the risk of cholesterol plaque buildup in the arteries.
Triglycerides are another type of lipid used as an energy source. Excess triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
In most cases, high cholesterol is a "silent" condition. It usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. Many people don’t even realize they have high cholesterol until serious complications, such as a heart attack or stroke, occur. That’s why it’s important to check your cholesterol levels regularly.
Several factors can cause high cholesterol levels:
Excessive consumption of foods high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats
Obesity and lack of physical activity
Genetics (familial hypercholesterolemia)
Other health conditions such as diabetes or hypothyroidism
Fiber is an essential part of the diet with a direct impact on blood cholesterol levels. Studies show that diets high in soluble fiber can reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Soluble fiber binds to cholesterol in the intestines and helps eliminate it from the body, preventing cholesterol buildup in the arteries.
Moreover, fiber helps regulate blood pressure and lowers the risk of heart disease. It’s recommended to consume at least 25–30 grams of fiber daily for optimal health. Fiber also helps prevent digestive issues and improves gut function.
Fiber is also a crucial nutrient for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. Check out our SYLLIFLOR supplements, which contain fiber to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol levels can be lowered by changing lifestyle habits: a balanced diet, physical activity, and quitting smoking. Consuming fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, can also help lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, SYLLIFLOR supplements, which contain fiber, can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
To learn more about cholesterol management, check out our SYLLIFLOR supplements, which can be beneficial to your health and help support a healthy fiber intake in your body.
SYLLIFLOR: Cholesterol management and fiber support supplements
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