What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance needed by everyone for normal bodily functions. It is transported in our bloodstream as lipid-rich protein molecules of different sizes and composition, known as ‘Lipoproteins’.
The most important types of Lipoprotein are HDL and LDL which we commonly term as ‘good cholesterol’ and ‘bad cholesterol’. Women of child-bearing age usually have higher ratio of HDL compared to men of the same age group. Read more about HDL and LDL below…
Are we at Risk?
Nothing can be further from the truth!
Even though vegans don’t eat foods of animal origin, their livers will produce cholesterol from sugar or fat they eat.
How does cholesterol affect women differently from men?
Women of child-bearing age tend to have higher levels of HDL (“good cholesterol”) than men. This is due to a female sex hormone known as oestrogen which seems to have a favourable effect on HDL level.
As women approaches menopause, their estrogen level starts to decline. Consequently, many women experience changes in their cholesterol levels from around 50 years of age. Their LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol”) level tends to rise and HDL cholesterol level fall. This may increase their risk of heart disease and stroke. For this reason, women should check their cholesterol levels regularly in perimenopause and after menopause.
High cholesterol has no symptoms. Knowing your cholesterol levels is a start to take steps to maintain your cholesterol health.
What can we do to reduce risk?
- Go for regular lipid screening
Generally, it is recommended for men and women aged 40 years and above to have lipid screening done to check their LDL and HDL cholesterol levels once every three years or more frequently as advised by the doctor.
- Cultivate a healthy lifestyle
Now that you know the importance of healthy lipid, you should encourage your family and friends to adopt healthier lifestyle.
Here are some tips…
- It is never too early to start cultivating healthy eating habits among your kids, parents. Take note!
- Maintaining appropriate exercise routine may boost HDL levels and promote healthy lipid profile.
- It is fine to give yourself a treat once in a while if that helps to sustain your efforts, just keep improving over time.
The information, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only, and are provided with no guarantee of accuracy, completeness or usefulness and without any warranties of any kind whatsoever, express or implied. No material on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Give the gift of health to your mom this Mother’s Day!
Check out HypoCol promotion running now at Ascenshoppe!
Ascenshoppe Website
Shopee
Lazada
