What is cholesterol?
The natural substance cholesterol is a fat that is an important component of the cell membrane. In addition, cholesterol is important for metabolic processes and the formation of hormones. The cholesterol measured in the blood is divided into low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). The “bad” LDL cholesterol is considered to be the trigger for vascular diseases and thus also for deposits.
Too much cholesterol is harmful
Too much harmful HDL cholesterol is not beneficial and poses a serious health risk. If the cholesterol accumulates on the vessel walls, this leads to vascular calcification, also known as arteriosclerosis. The consequences: The blood vessels become narrower and less elastic. The blood can flow more poorly through the arteries, circulatory disorders occur and the transport of nutrients and oxygen is impaired.
An unhealthy lifestyle is the main reason that your LDL cholesterol levels rise. These include an unbalanced diet, lack of exercise, high blood lipid levels and obesity. In addition, diseases of the liver, kidneys and thyroid can cause increased blood lipid levels.
High Cholesterol: Avoid These 7 Foods
If you have high cholesterol, you should eat a healthy, high-fiber, plant-based diet. The following foods can further promote arteriosclerosis and should therefore be eliminated from your diet:
