What is cholesterol?
These
days everyone talks about harmful is cholesterol and how important it is to eat
a diet with less of this element. What exactly is cholesterol?
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an organic compound belonging to the
steroid family. Occurring either in a free
state
Cholesterol was discovered in 1812. Its name arises from
its occurrences in gallstones derived from the Greek. Word Chole-stereos-ol
meaning bile-solid. The synthesis of cholesterol occurs in various tissues and
organs particularly the brain liver and arteries.
The increase in its quantity beyond certain level can be harmful
for our body. Execs of fats and cholesterol get deposited in the walls of
arteries causing blockage and hardness thus obstructing the free flow of blood.
This may lead to heart problems. When the arteries get blocked the quantity of
blood flowing in them decreases and as a result the oxygen supply to vital
parts of our body is also decreased. This condition is medically termed as
arteriosclerosis.
High cholesterol deposits may be trap small blood clots
that would normally pass through blood vessels.
We knew that coronary arteries play a vital role for the
proper heart function. They provided oxygen and carry blood to the heart. If a
coronary artery gets blocked that particular part of the heart may stop
functioning leading o a major heart attack which can even prove fatal.
Cholesterol in blood can be controlled by a regulated
diet. A high concentration of cholesterol is present in the foods of animal’s
origin like meat, egg, butter, etc. doctors advise to avoid high cholesterol
food by substituting them with unsaturated foods. Like fruits, vegetables,
reveals and so on.
Lowering
cholesterol levels in the blood can help to reduce the risk of heart attacks.
There are many other measures that can be taken to maintain the desirable
cholesterol level. This includes giving up smoking regular exercises, and
avoidance of overeating and fatty substance.
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