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Cholesterol is also one of the essential nutrients for our body as like glucose, vitamins, minerals, etc. Cholesterol is a lipid that makes the cell membrane along with proteins. It is synthesized inside the cells and does so many functions in our body like aids digestion, it is also a precursor for steroids, vitamin D and certain hormones. The cholesterol is present and produced by every cell in our body and revolves around the body with the help of lipoproteins. There are different types of lipoproteins, they have different purposes and named as HDL, LDL, and VLDL. Cholesterol is also present in foods and in animal sources like meat, egg, butter, cheese, etc. As we know, everything in a limit is good otherwise leads to trouble. Cholesterol if present under limits it is good but in excess, it leads to cholesterol deposition. These depositions may occur in arteries named as plaque and this condition is called atherosclerosis. Mainly high cholesterol level affects our Cardio-vascular system
LDL Low-density lipoproteins are called bad cholesterol. These lipids attach to certain proteins and move to other parts via blood. Low-density lipoproteins in excess amount lead to plaque deposition.
VLDL Very low-density lipoproteins are also considered among bad cholesterols as they also lead to plaque formation in arteries but they are different from LDL. They carry triglycerides as they are one of the components of VLDL. A high level of these triglycerides can build up plaque, hence in his manner, they are bad for our body.
HDL High-density lipoproteins often called good cholesterol. It helps in lowering down the excess LDL level by bringing them back to the liver. The liver is a well-known organ for its fat storage property but if they are in excess it will eliminate them out from the body.
WHAT CAUSES HIGH CHOLESTEROL LEVEL IN OUR BODY?
Diet Our diet is a major part that gives rise to diseases. A diet that includes cheese - butter (all dairy products), fried, high sugar, potatoes, chocolates, and non-vegetarian food products will raise cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle Sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, sleeping during day time, etc. are the causes for various diseases and conditions, one among them is hyperlipoproteinemia or hypercholesterolemia
Genetics It is also categorized among inherited diseases thus affects generations.
Risk factors or triggering factors
a) Obesity An abnormal deposition of fat is obesity that triggers cholesterol deposition by disturbing our metabolism. So, those who are obese are at high risk for diseases related to varied cholesterol level.
b) Diseases History of diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, etc. lead to cardiovascular diseases.
c) Age Adults above 40 are prone to high cholesterol level.
d) Habits Drinking alcohol Alcohol affects our liver and the liver is the major organ which aids cholesterol and fat metabolism.
Smoking It lowers the HDL level and raises the LDL level in our body.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnostic criteria to check the level of Cholesterol in our body is a simple blood test i.e. Lipid profile. The normal range of these lipids is -
Total cholesterol > 200
HDL - > 60
LDL - < 100
Triglycerides - < 150
SYMPTOMS THAT OCCURS DURING HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Mostly it doesnt show any symptoms but immediately it creates emergency issues like heart attack, strokes and other symptoms pertaining to the cardiovascular system. Few more symptoms are
Dyspnea - Breathing difficulty
Indigestion
Fatigue and lethargic
Reduced energy level
Weight gain
MANAGEMENT
For cholesterol management, Ayurveda is the best choice because herbal medicines will not only reduce the LDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol level but also helps to increases HDL level in our body which is required for good health. For this, Garlic is the best choice.
GARLIC A CHOLESTEROL KILLER
A golden key can open any door this phrase is suitable for explaining the action potential of Lashuna. Garlic can open all the blocked channels/ arteries in our body due to the high cholesterol level.
The Latin name of garlic is Allium sativum belongs to the Liliaceae family. The ayurvedic name is rasona or lashuna. Garlic is considered as the best cardiac tonic. It helps to reduce the cholesterol level in our body. As per our classics the properties of garlic are :-
Rasa (Taste) amla varjit pancharasa Composed of all 5 tastes except sour.
Guna (Quality) Tikshana (penetrating), guru (heavy to digest) and snighdha (viscous) property
Virya (Potency) Hot in nature
Vipaka (the End product of digestion) - Katu (pungent)
Dosha karma (Effect on dosha) Alleviates Kapha dosha, balances vata dosha and aggravates pitta dosha in our body.
It helps to increase strength and aid digestion.
Bhagna sandhan kar - It helps to unite bones hence helpful in fractures.
Kanthayo Treats throat problems
Bala varna karo Enhances strength and complexion
Medha hito Boosts up memory
Netrya Improves vision
Rasayan Acts as a rejuvenator
HOW GARLIC CAN REDUCE CHOLESTEROL LEVEL?
In Ayurveda vitiated kapha or ama is an entity that is correlated to this bad cholesterol. As per the properties of garlic bitter-pungent-astringent taste, hot potency subside kapha and elevate pitta dosha, help to deplete the LDL and triglycerides level in our body.
Rasona also has pachana (digestive) property. Thus it helps in digestion of ama (cholesterol), which does srotosanga (obstructs the channels) and results in clearing channels.
Lashuna has hrudya property which means it strengthens the heart, along with that it also helps to improve the cardiac functioning. It supports the endothelial lining of arteries which is damaged due to plaque deposition.
It also subside the triglycerides in our body. As triglycerides are major components of VLDL, these are fatty acids present in blood that help in the bidirectional transference of adipose fat and