Cholesterol is a soft fat that is present in our body for various functions. They are indispensable for various metabolic activities within the body. The liver itself generates enough of it needed for the formation of the cell walls and vitamin D. They are carried by the proteins in the blood to the different sites for their functions. But the increase in the level of it can provoke heart diseases and other ailments. Thus it is “a necessary evil”.
The cholesterol level tends to rise when there is an excessive supply of the fats from other sources. The animal products especially eggs, red meat, milk, butter and cheese are the sources for extra amount of cholesterol. The additional supply to the body increases the stratum of it and an improper life style boosts it more to show its adverse effects. Research by scientists have acclaimed that “Smoking” too is one of the major factors for increasing the risk of heart diseases.
Let's find out how smoking increases the risk of cholesterol level ?
Smoking has been considered as one of the major risk factors associated with the heart diseases. The cigarettes contain nicotine and produce carbon monoxide which are the two most harmful of the 4000 chemical compounds present in the tobacco. Smoking destroys the lining of walls of coronary and make them narrow and hard, reducing blood supply to the heart. Smoking of tobacco lowers HDL cholesterol and increases the fibrin elements in the blood that makes it more sticky and also increases the LDL level. Smoking thus enhances the degree of bad cholesterol. Indeed it increases the rate of heartbeat and high blood pressure also.
However, if one quits the habit of smoking the HDL cholesterol level will augment to the normal state very soon. It hardly takes weeks or a month to have the normal level of the HDL level back after quitting smoking. As during this course the LDL level will find no suitable medium for multiplication. If you abdicate smoking besides a healthy heart you get healthy lungs too. The blood circulation remains swift through out the body and the arteries and veins properly flow the blood to the respective destinations hassle free.
So, ensure a healthy long life without high level of cholesterol. Maintain a proper routine of diet along with mild exercise regime and get rid of harmful habits like smoking.
Written By: Ashish Jain
