What is Cholesterol and How to Prevent

What is Cholesterol and How to Prevent

What is Cholesterol and How to Prevent

1. Cholesterol

 Cholesterol is an essential fatty acid that humans and animals produce naturally. It is a necessary part of our diet and helps with hormone production and brain function. As plants produce cholesterol, they do not have to obtain it from their environment. However, if they are exposed to high amounts of cholesterol, then they begin to synthesize it themselves. When a cannabis plant is grown under low levels of cholesterol, the plant will stop producing it. If the amount of cholesterol available increases, then the amount produced by the plant will increase. To reduce the amount of cholesterol produced by the plant, you need to prevent the plant from being exposed to excess cholesterol. One way to do this is to use a strain that is known to produce small amounts of cholesterol. Once the amount of cholesterol is reduced, the amount produced by the cannabis plant will decrease. In order to effectively reduce cholesterol produced by the plant and keep them from getting sick, you should limit the exposure to cholesterol at all costs.

 2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 Omega-3 fatty acids are an important part of any diet and help regulate many bodily systems. Specifically, omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for regulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, calming nerves, and promoting heart health. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids makes sense whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, omnivore, or carnivore. Cannabis plants don’t necessarily require these oils in their diets, although they may benefit from having them. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can be purchased commercially and are great for helping with various ailments.

 3. Coconut Oil

 Coconut oil is made from coconut flesh and contains saturated fats. While these fats are bad for human consumption, they actually work well for cannabis plants. These saturated fats help build the cells of the cannabis plant and allow them to become stronger and healthier. There are many benefits associated with using coconut oil for cannabis including improved taste, smell, and texture.

 4. Fish Oil

 Fish oil is often recommended for people who cannot consume certain types of fat due to allergies, intolerances, or medical conditions. Many doctors recommend fish oil because it reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, promotes weight loss, increases cognitive performance, and improves joint pain. Fish oil is particularly useful for cannabis plants since it provides essential fatty acids that are lacking in their diets.

 5. Vitamin B Complex

 Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that includes vitamin B12, niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5) pyridoxine (B6), folate (B9), riboflavin (B2), biotin, and choline. Vitamin B12 is critical to maintaining good health and is essential for protein synthesis and DNA replication. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) requires pantothenic acid to work properly. Folate is an essential B vitamin that is involved in DNA synthesis and repair. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) works with folate, while biotin aids in the utilization of B vitamins. Finally, choline is a water-soluble B-complex nutrient that assists in breaking down triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids.

 6. Minerals

 Minerals are the elements found in solid earth, rocks, and ores that make up the world around us. Plants take in minerals from their surroundings and convert them into biomass. Most of the minerals required for healthy growth are already present in the soil or grow medium in which the plant lives. However, some minerals require the addition of fertilizer in order to be utilized.

 7. Potash

 Potash, sometimes called potash alum or potash soda ash, is an alkali metal mineral that creates an ash-like substance. Potash is easily soluble and is used as a base for soap making. You can purchase potash from chemical supply companies or find it in some organic fertilizer blends.

 Cholesterol is insoluble in water; therefore, it is not absorbed well by the human body and is excreted directly out of the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, cholesterol is an amphipathic steroid alcohol (a class of lipid) that is composed of four fatty acid chains attached to a five-carbon backbone. Cholesterol is stored in the liver and adipose tissue and helps maintain the integrity of cell membranes and regulate certain processes inside cells. On average, humans have about 2 grams of total cholesterol in their bodies, although some people may have higher amounts due to genetics.

 Cholesterol is a necessary substance in the body. However, high levels of cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease. High blood cholesterol is called hyperlipidemia. When cholesterol builds up in arteries, it narrows them and restricts blood flow. As a result, cholesterol plaque forms and the arteries become hardened, restricting the flow of oxygenated blood throughout the body. Over time, if untreated, cholesterol build-up can cause atherosclerosis, a condition in which arterial linings thicken and harden causing narrowing of the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis causes blockages within the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. If left untreated, these blockages can lead to heart attacks.

 The best way to lower cholesterol is to eat a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish, and poultry contains fewer fats and calories than those who consume foods high in fats and calories. Exercise regularly and avoid smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products. Cholesterol prevents heart disease not only in humans but also in animals. In fact, the American Heart Association says that cholesterol reduction is a major goal of modern medicine. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in many parts of our bodies, including blood and body tissues.

 In humans, excessive amounts of cholesterol build up. This build up narrows arteries, reducing blood flow to organs and muscles. When blood flow is blocked, oxygen cannot reach cells. Cells die, and the result is damage, called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaque forms inside arteries. Over time, it hardens, thickening artery walls, and reduces blood flow even further. If the narrowed area becomes completely blocked by plaque, a stroke or heart attack may occur. In addition, high levels of cholesterol increase the risk of cancer.

What is Cholesterol and How to Prevent

What is Cholesterol and How to Prevent

 The good news is that we can eat foods that help lower cholesterol while still enjoying delicious food. Here are some tips for lowering cholesterol:

 • Eat fish at least twice a week. Fish is a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. These fats have been shown to improve cardiovascular function.

 • Reduce dietary fat intake. Fat causes bile acids to rise in the bloodstream. Bile acids are released from the liver and travel via the bloodstream to the gallbladder, where they aid digestion. Excess bile makes cholesterol worse.

 • Increase fiber helps keep cholesterol down and promote bowel regularity. Foods rich in soluble fiber include oats, nuts, beans, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Soluble fibers pull cholesterol out of the intestines and move it back to the liver. Insoluble fibers have no effect on cholesterol.

 • Limit alcohol consumption. Consuming just two drinks per day — about half the amount of liquor consumed by people in Western countries — lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol by 10 percent. And don't drink on an empty stomach! Drinking before meals increases triglycerides, the type of fat that contributes to coronary artery disease.

 • Don't smoke. Smoking cigarettes raises the level of LDL ("bad") cholesterol in the bloodstream.

 • Reduce saturated fat intake. Saturated fat raises LDL and triglyceride levels. But eating small amounts (about 1 tablespoon of butter a day) doesn't necessarily cause problems.

 • Be moderate in physical activity. Being moderately physically active throughout the day can reduce total cholesterol, but it's especially useful for those who already exercise regularly. However, if you're an inactive person, start slowly. Even walking briskly for 15 minutes three times daily can lower levels of total cholesterol and LDL.

 Be sure to talk to your doctor or dietitian before making any changes to your medication regimen.