7 Causes Of High Cholesterol

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Cholesterol, is needed by the body for a variety of functions; however, too much of it can cause  hardening of the arteries .

The body needs cholesterol, the fat in your blood, for various functions. However, according to WebMD, too much cholesterol can cause buildup in the arteries, which can harden them. Several things can affect your cholesterol levels, including diet, exercise, and heredity.

Types of Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL, or low-density lipoproteins, also known as bad cholesterol, and HDL, or high-density lipoproteins, also known as good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol sticks to your arteries and causes various cardiovascular issues, including atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries. Unlike LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol is used by the body.

Diet

Saturated fats increase cholesterol levels. They are found in eggs and dairy products, including cheese, butter, milk, beef, pork, shortening, and margarine. Additionally, packaged foods and snacks are often filled with saturated fats.

Dietary modifications can lower cholesterol by as much as 30 percent. According to Health Line's website, eating a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help lower cholesterol levels naturally. Limit foods rich in sugars and sodium, and eat heart-healthy fats, such as olive oil, fish oil, and avocados, to increase the body's HDL, which can help reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

Weight

Those with a body index higher than 30 tend to have lower levels of good and bad cholesterol. Research has shown that for every 2 pounds that an obese person loses, their good cholesterol rises by as much as 0.35 milligrams. Additionally, some research has shown that what you eat can affect the body's ability to lower cholesterol. For best results, eat a diet high in plant-based protein.

Activity Levels

Those who lead a sedentary lifestyle often experience higher LDL cholesterol levels. Increasing activity levels and getting at least 150 minutes of weekly exercise can improve cholesterol. Studies have shown that vigorous exercise, such as aerobics or running, can boost HDL cholesterol.

Heredity

Although you can do nothing about your heredity, knowing the health history of your family members can help protect your health. High cholesterol can be hereditary. By learning and understanding your family's health history, you can better protect yourself from cardiovascular issues associated with high cholesterol levels.

Smoking

Cigarette smoking constricts your arteries and veins, which increases the likelihood of plaque buildup. Additionally, smoking has been shown to lower HDL levels in the blood. If you smoke, there are many reasons to quit, including high cholesterol and other cardiovascular problems.

Age

Your age plays a role in cholesterol levels. After the age of 20, cholesterol levels begin to increase. If you are male and over the age of 45 or female and the age of 55, you are at an increased risk of developing high cholesterol.

Gender

Gender affects cholesterol levels, and hormones can affect HDL levels. In men, cholesterol levels rise from age 20 to around 50 before leveling off. The hormone estrogen helps raise HDL cholesterol. For this reason, cholesterol levels often remain low until after menopause, when they rise to the level of most men.

Your cholesterol levels are affected by what you eat, how much you exercise, age, gender, and heredity. Although you cannot control your heredity, gender, or age, you can do many things to help lower your cholesterol naturally. These include stopping smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

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