Contents
Adequate cholesterol levels
Cholesterol blood levels
Cholesterol is a vital component of the body (See properties of cholesterol). However, our current diet tends to be rich in animal foods rich in cholesterol.
This dietary excess, along with a diet low in fiber, has come to cause cardiovascular diseases have become to be the first cause of death in industrialized countries.
Excess of cholesterol carries serious health problems. One of the first symptoms are high levels of blood cholesterol. This can cause excessive cholesterol to be deposited on the inner walls of the arteries, leading to blockages. (Thrombosis)
What is the main consequence of high cholesterol levels?
| The accumulation of cholesterol in the arteries is known as arteriosclerosis.Due to the obstruction, the heart has to beat faster and arteries lose elasticity, resulting in poor circulation. |
What are the recommended cholesterol levels in blood?
The normal total cholesterol levels in blood are as follows:
- Less than 200 mg / dl: is the desirable blood cholesterol.
- Between 200 and 239 mg / dl: is the limit of acceptability. Similarly, cholesterol rich food must be moderate.
- More than 240 mg / dl: means high blood cholesterol. There is risk of arteriosclerosis, that’s to say, cholesterol accumulation in arteries with all the problems it may cause. In these cases we recommend walking one hour every day and follow a diet for arteriosclerosis. This situation requires regular medical supervision.
- The recommended levels of LDL cholesterol are between 70 130mg/dl. (low levels are healthier).
- The recommended levels of HDL cholesterol are between 40 60mg/dl. (high levels are healthier).
- Recommended triglyceride levels are below 150 mg / dl. (low levels are healthier).
More information about cholesterol.
