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By FLORENCE RIAKO
During a visit to hospital for her bi-annual health check-up, Rita was baffled when the doctor told her she has high ‘bad’ cholesterol in her system.
When he advised her to do something about it, she realised it was a serious matter.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance in blood that the body needs for important processes, like creating new cells. The body makes most cholesterol, but some come from diet, specifically animal products like meat and dairy.
Cholesterol cannot dissolve in the blood. It is transported to and from the cells by carriers called lipoproteins. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is known as ‘good’ cholesterol.
When too much bad cholesterol circulates in the blood, it can slowly build up in the inner walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Together with other substances, it can form a thick, hard deposit that narrows the arteries and make them less flexible. Heart attack or stroke may result when a clot forms and blocks a narrowed artery.
High cholesterol foods contain saturated fat and cholesterol. Saturated fats, found mostly in animal products, raise bad cholesterol level. Other sources include processed food with high levels of trans-fat, cookies, pastries, muffins and deep friend foods like crisps.
About one-fourth to one-third of blood cholesterol is carried by high-density lipoprotein. High levels of HDL seem to protect against heart attack.
Experts say HDL carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it is passed out from the body. Sources of ‘good’ cholesterol include orange juice which is not only a good source of Vitamin C but is highly instrumental in hydrating body cell increasing good cholesterol in the body and enhancing fluidity. Others are cocoa, eggs, garlic and Omega-3 fats.
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