So, What Exactly is Cholesterol? Think of cholesterol like oil in your body — you need some, but not too much. There are two main kinds: • Good cholesterol (HDL): Helps clean your blood. • Bad cholesterol (LDL): Can build up and clog your arteries. When bad cholesterol goes up, it puts more pressure on your heart — like forcing water through a narrow pipe. What Causes High Cholesterol? High cholesterol isn’t just bad luck — it often comes from everyday habits and choices we barely notice: • Regularly eating fried foods, fatty meats, or pastries. • Using butter, margarine, or full-cream milk in cooking. • Sitting for long hours and moving less. • Carrying extra weight around the waist. • Smoking or heavy drinking. • Having a family history of high cholesterol. ❤️ What High Cholesterol Does to the Body Too much “bad” cholesterol (LDL) sticks to artery walls, forming plaque that hardens and narrows them — a process called atherosclerosis. This can lead to: • Heart problems: heart attack or chest pain. • Stroke: if plaque blocks blood flow to the brain. • Kidney issues: due to poor circulation. • Poor leg circulation: causing cramps or numbness. You may not feel any symptoms until major damage occurs — that’s why screening is key. 🥗 How to Lower Cholesterol Naturally You don’t need fancy detox teas or strict diets. You just need smart, everyday swaps that help your body clear excess fat. ✅ Add More: • Fresh vegetables — kontomire, okra, spinach, garden eggs. • Fruits rich in fiber — oranges, pawpaw, apples, banana. • Whole grains — oats, millet, brown rice, whole-wheat bread. • Lean proteins — fish, chicken, beans, lentils. • Healthy fats — avocado, groundnuts, seeds, olive oil. 🚫 Cut Back On: • Fried foods, pastries, and fast food. • Fatty meats and processed products like sausages. • Butter, cheese, and full-cream milk. • Alcohol and sugary drinks. 🍽️ Better Eating Habits for a Healthier Heart • Steam or grill instead of fry. • Cook with herbs and spices — skip the butter and cubes. • Use smaller plates to avoid overeating. • Drink plenty of water. • Limit eating late at night. 🏃🏾‍♀️ Lifestyle Changes That Work • Exercise: at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week. • Weight control: even losing 5–10% helps. • No smoking: it raises bad cholesterol. • Sleep: 7–8 hours for recovery and balance. • Relax: manage stress through prayer, hobbies, or journaling. 🔬 Tests Worth Doing Ask your doctor about: • Lipid profile: to check total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol. • Blood sugar and pressure: because they often go hand-in-hand. • BMI and waist circumference check: for healthy weight goals. 💬 “You can’t see cholesterol, but your choices reveal it.”

Disclaimer & Credit: All medical articles including ours, are informative and provide population trends not specific to individuals which can be very different. Always seek personalized medical advice from your doctor for individual healthcare decisions.

Posted October 21, 2025