What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) which is produced by the liver. Cholesterol is vital for normal body function. Every cell in our body has cholesterol in its outer layer.

Cholesterol is a waxy steroid and is transported in the blood plasma of all animals. It is the main sterol synthesized by animals - small amounts are also synthesized in plants and fungi. A sterol is a steroid sub-group.

The word "cholesterol" comes from the Greek word chole, meaning "bile", and the Greek word stereos, meaning "solid, stiff".

What are the functions of cholesterol?

Below is a list of the important functions of cholesterol:

• It builds and maintains cell membranes.³
• It is essential for determining which molecules can pass into the cell and which cannot (cell membrane permeability).
• It is involved in the production of sex hormones (androgens and estrogens).³
• It is essential for the production of hormones released by the adrenal glands
• It aids in the production of bile^.
• It is important for the metabolism of fat soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.
• It insulates nerve fibers.

How cholesterol is transported in the blood

Cholesterol is carried in the blood by molecules called lipoproteins. A lipoprotein is any complex or compound containing both lipid (fat) and protein. The three main types are:⁵

·    LDL (low density lipoprotein) - people often refer to it as bad cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol from the liver to cells. If too much is carried (too much for the cells to use) there can be a harmful buildup of LDL.

·   HDL (high density lipoprotein) - people often refer to it as good cholesterol. Experts say HDL prevents arterial disease. HDL does the opposite of LDL - HDL takes the cholesterol away from the cells and back to the liver. In the liver it is either broken down or expelled from the body as waste.

·   Triglycerides - these are the chemical forms in which most fat exists in the body, as well as in food. They are present in blood plasma. Triglycerides, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma lipids (blood fat).Triglycerides in plasma originate either from fats in our food, or are made in the body from other energy sources, such as carbohydrates. Calories we consume but are not used immediately by our tissues are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells.

Dangers of high cholesterol levels

High cholesterol levels can cause:

·   Atherosclerosis - narrowing of the arteries.⁸

·   Higher coronary heart disease risk - an abnormality of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart.⁹

·   Heart attack - occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. This causes your heart muscle to die.¹⁰

·    Angina - chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough blood.¹¹

·    Stroke and mini-stroke - occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or vein, interrupting the flow to an area of the brain. Can also occur when a blood vessel breaks. Brain cells begin to die.¹²

·    If both blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels are high, the risk of developing coronary heart disease rises significantly.

What causes high cholesterol ?

Lifestyle causes

§Sedentary lifestyle - Sitting/lying down for long hours, Lack of exercise have significantly higher levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol).

· Body-weight (Obesity) - people who are overweight/obese are much more likely to have higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels, as they put extra load on the heart.

· Nutrition (Diet) - High calorie diet especially diet rich in oils and fats increase bad cholesterol & Triglycerides which are dangerous to blood vessels of the heart.

· Smoking - this can have quite a considerable effect on LDL levels.

· Alcohol - people who consume too much alcohol regularly, generally have much higher levels of LDL and much lower levels of HDL

· Stress : Stress also has quite considerable effect on LDL levels.

· Diabetes along with Cardiac problems is a common occurrence

· Genetic - Cardiac problems running in families

Tips for reducing cholesterol

·         Exercise : Increase your level of physical activity. Do at least 45 minutes of brisk walking every day, which will also reduce body weight.

·         Healthy diet - Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Reduce fat and cholesterol in your diet. Fibrous foods are known to reduce cholesterol & Triglyceride levels.

·         Stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption

·         Reduce Stress by meditation or pranayama.

Herbal Ayurveda Remedies:

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) -  Arjuna is the best cardiac (Heart) tonic mentioned in Ayurveda). The active constituents namely triterpine glycosides in Arjuna can dissolve the cholesterol that accumulates in the coronary artery and reduce the possibility of heart attacks.

Bottle Gourd - The presence of flavonoids, sterols, cucurbitacin saponins etc. are helpful in reducing cholesterol levels.

Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) - It contains guggulsterones which have been proven to reduce the levels of cholesterol & Triglycerides on regular use.

Triphala - The active constituents’ anthroquinones is very helpful in reducing the cholesterol levels in the body.

Sunthee - The major active ingredients in ginger are terpenes and ginger oil which can help to reduce the levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of developing heart disease.

Methi Seeds - Methi’s steroidal saponins are reported to inhibit cholesterol absorption and synthesis.

Garlic - Besides lowering cholesterol levels, garlic also strengthens the immune system; has anti-inflammatory effects; reduces high blood pressure; alleviates gas and bloating; and is a general digestive aid.