We frequently read about how it is important to maintain healthy levels of cholesterol, but then we also hear there is good and bad cholesterol. How do we know which is which? What are the different types of cholesterol and how can a plant based diet help?
Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) that is essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones, and synthesizing vitamin D. There are several types of cholesterol, each with different effects on heart health:
Plant-based diets are typically low in saturated fat and cholesterol, commonly found in animal products, and are high in fiber. Soluble fiber, in particular, can bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract and help remove it from the body, thus reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Vegan diets can also increase HDL and improve the ratio of LDL: HDL. Foods such as almonds, olive oil, legumes and whole grains like oats, barley, and quinoa all increase HDL. And the best part- It's easy to get all of these by visiting us at Bella in Ubud, Bali! Your heart will love us :)
Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) that is essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones, and synthesizing vitamin D. There are several types of cholesterol, each with different effects on heart health:
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis), which can narrow the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. High levels of LDL cholesterol are a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol: VLDL cholesterol is similar to LDL cholesterol but contains more triglycerides, another type of fat in the blood. Like LDL cholesterol, high levels of VLDL cholesterol can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. High levels of triglycerides are often associated with high levels of VLDL cholesterol and can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, especially when combined with low levels of HDL cholesterol.
Plant-based diets are typically low in saturated fat and cholesterol, commonly found in animal products, and are high in fiber. Soluble fiber, in particular, can bind to cholesterol in the digestive tract and help remove it from the body, thus reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Vegan diets can also increase HDL and improve the ratio of LDL: HDL. Foods such as almonds, olive oil, legumes and whole grains like oats, barley, and quinoa all increase HDL. And the best part- It's easy to get all of these by visiting us at Bella in Ubud, Bali! Your heart will love us :)
