Eating habits
Beef, pork, egg yolk, whole milk are rich in fatty acids, and processed and fried food contains high trans-fatty acids levels. Eating this food raises blood cholesterol above the levels recommended. Avoiding this food and eating more fruits, vegetables rich in minerals, fibers and vitamins in the diet helps to check the level of blood cholesterol.
Physical inactivity
Regular exercises are necessary to maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the blood. It strengthens the muscles and increases stamina, it also decreases the level of bad cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol.
Body weight
Excess weight raises LDL and triglycerides. When the body receives higher calory supply, then excessive calories are stored as fats in the body cells. Overweight individuals don’t have enough HDL in the blood.
Genetic conditions
Genes are important participants in creating cholesterol in the blood as they decide how fast LDL is produced and processed from the blood. High levels of cholesterol run in families. The condition is called familial hypercholesterolemia. Those having these conditions are more predisposed to respond to such factors as bad eating habits and a sedentary life.
Age
With age the ability to maintain the necessary cholesterol levels naturally falls. This makes people susceptible to develop imbalances in the levels of cholesterol.
Gender
Men are more prone to develop high cholesterol levels than women. This is due to the fact that female hormones boost the HDL cholesterol levels. Though, HDL cholesterol levels reduce in women after menopause.
Stress
Stress affects the lifestyle negatively. Many binge on fatty food and start smoking and drinking to relieve tension. This results in high cholesterol in blood which makes us prone to different heart disorders.
Smoking
Smoking reduces HDL cholesterol and adds to the blood clot risk. This makes smokers more predisposed to heart and lung disorders as well.
Alcohol
Moderate alcohol use (one or two drinks every day) can increase HDL cholesterol in blood. But it doesn’t decrease the levels of LDL cholesterol. Moderate alcohol drinking can prevent heart disorders, but no consensus is reached by doctors in terms of the fact being true. Actually consuming too much alcohol increases triglycerides and makes the blood pressure rise.
As minerals and vitamins are necessary to enhance the immunity, so are carbohydrates and fats. It is highly important to include various foods in our diet. But whatever we eat should be in moderate amount as excessive amounts upset nutrients balance, rest and exercises necessary for the body.