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Saturday 16 August 2014

Let's understand CHOLESTEROL - IN AYURVEDA

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that our body needs to function properly. Cholesterol is naturally present in cell walls or membranes in the body, including the brain, nerves, muscles, heart, skin, liver and intestines.

Cholesterol is the steroid lipid found in the outer cell membranes of all body tissues. High cholesterol level in the body can cause arterial disease or coronary heart disease.

Good or bad cholesterol 

LDL known as bad cholesterol comprises about 70% of the cholesterol that circulates in the bloodstream. It comprises most of fat which then tends to get deposited in the arteries creating plaques. This leads to atherosclerosis which means hardening and narrowing of the arteries, a large risk factor for heart disease.
HDL cholesterol is considered as good cholesterol because its primary role is to transport LDL's back to the liver where it is disposed. HDL comprises of mainly protein and makes up about 20% of the cholesterol in the body. It helps to prevent atherosclerosis by preventing LDL cholesterol from depositing and forming plaques in the arteries.

From the perspective of Ayurveda, cholesterol is developed from ama (toxins). Ama, is a kind of metabolic left overs that accumulate like toxins in the body. Simply saying, ama is the sticky and foul smelling waste product of improper digestion, which can block the circulatory channels of the body, such as arteries.

Cause 

High cholesterol levels are due to a variety of factors including excess weight, heredity, mental stress, high alcohol, smoking, unhealthy diet and lifestyle.

Signs and symptoms

High cholesterol is a risk factor for other illnesses and does not cause specific symptoms. Routine screening blood examination may reveal elevated cholesterol levels in the blood.

 Ayurvedic treatment

Various ayurvedic herbs like kachur, kutki, dalchini and many more which can enhance the metabolism in the body, are good for lowering the high cholesterol in the body.

Ayurvedic health supplements should be taken to keep the cholesterol in check and also to maintain the healthy functioning of heart. These natural supplements enhance metabolism through liver. It lessens the production of ama (toxins) producing cholesterol. Also, helps in clearance of LDL (Low Density Lipids) from the blood stream. Consequently, reduces the chances of cardiovascular disease.

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