CONNECTOR.AE 38 CONNECTOR.AE 39 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness Sharing inputs on this, Dr Noor Naji, Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine Consultant at Mubadala Health Dubai and Danat Al Emarat Hospital said, “Cholesterol might often have negative associations, but the fact is, there are both good and bad types. The trick is to balance them to ensure cardiovascular health. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all the cells of the body and plays several crucial roles in maintaining health. It is a key component of cell membranes, providing structural integrity and fluidity. It also serves as a precursor for The Basics Of Cholesterol: What You Need to Know Taking care of health is crucial, and onemajor concern for many is cholesterol. Apart from factors like sugar, kidney function, liver health, and gut health, cholesterol levels are always a worry. It’s a fatty substance in the blood essential for cell building and hormone production. High cholesterol levels can raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream attached to proteins called lipoproteins. Cholesterol has two types: LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein), known as ‘bad’ and ‘good’ cholesterol. Connector explores cholesterol deeply, understanding LDL and HDL and focusing on how lifestyle changes can help maintain healthy levels for better heart and overall health. the synthesis of steroid hormones, including cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.” Sources Of Cholesterol And Its Need Cholesterol has two key sources: your liver produces the cholesterol your body needs, while additional cholesterol comes from animal-based foods like meat, poultry, and dairy products. These foods can also be high in saturated and trans fats, which further increase cholesterol levels. For some individuals, consuming these fats can shift their cholesterol levels from normal to unhealthy. Tropical oils like palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil contain saturated fats that can elevate cholesterol levels, commonly used in baked goods. Speaking to Connector, Dr Noor Naji from Mubadala Health Dubai and Danat Al Emarat Hospital mentioned when the skin is exposed to sunlight, cholesterol is converted into vitamin D, vital for bone health and immune function. Additionally, cholesterol is used to produce bile acids, critical for digestion and the absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Types Of Cholesterol Cholesterol is characterised into two types- LDL referred to as bad cholesterol, and HDL referred to as good cholesterol. LDL cholesterol contributes to the buildup of fatty deposits in arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This narrowing of arteries increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, protects your heart health. HDL functions by transporting LDL cholesterol away from arteries and back to the liver for processing and elimination from the body. Although HDL doesn’t completely remove LDL cholesterol, it helps in reducing its levels by facilitating its breakdown in the liver. Having high levels of HDL is beneficial for overall heart health, making it a key focus in monitoring cholesterol levels. Dr Sachin Upadhyaya, Cardiology (Specialist), Aster Hospital, Mankhool, adds, “HDL cholesterol, often known as ‘good cholesterol,’ acts as a shield against heart attacks and strokes by removing LDL from the bloodstream through liver metabolism. In contrast, LDL is dubbed ‘bad cholesterol’ for its tendency to accumulate in arteries, narrowing blood vessels and diminishing blood flow to vital organs, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious conditions.” What Test Is Needed To Understand The Cholesterol Levels Analysing cholesterol is essential for everyone, particularly if you live a stressful lifestyle and frequently consume high-
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