Major causes of high cholesterol levels in the body

UpdatedTrends.com: In this health-conscious life of ours, many a time you must have heard the word ‘cholesterol’ pooping up in conversations around you. But do you know what it really is? Cholesterol is actually a waxy substance which is meant to be good for health but can become bad for health when in excess. There are several causes which increase the levels in the body and many of them can also be controlled if preventive measures are taken in time.

 Major causes of high cholesterol

Smoking – Cholesterol is good in certain levels for the body, but smoking brings down the good cholesterol. Some diseases like high blood pressure, heart diseases, diabetes and other diseases also affect cholesterol levels.

Genetics – Many times the problem can also be hereditary and be present in the next generation, only due to a family history of high levels of cholesterol.

Age – As you get older, age could be a major factor that contributes to cholesterol problems, as exercise levels decrease with the age and make a person prone to higher cholesterol level.

2. Controllable cholesterol

It is obvious that eating habits of a person affect the cholesterol levels. Try avoiding fat, saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol and eat more fruits.

Before eating any food, read the labels to know the fat and cholesterol levels which will help in controlling the levels.

Being overweight decreases the good cholesterol in the body so its better to get your weight checked and exercise regularly.

Uncontrollable cholesterol

Age is one of the major causes of increase in cholesterol and even gender affects the levels. The levels rise in women older than 55 years and in men 45 years. Women have lower cholesterol levels than men.

If you suffer from high cholesterol, then its best to get yourself checked up by your family physician and get it treated before its too late.