Cholesterol is a natural fatty substance that is found in all cells of the human body and is necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Most of it is produced in the liver, although it is also obtained through the consumption of some foods.
It is key, since it intervenes in different processes such as the formation of bile acids, vital for the digestion of fats. Similarly, the sun’s rays transform cholesterol into vitamin D to protect the skin from chemical agents and prevent dehydration. Also, from this substance certain hormones are formed, such as sexual and thyroid hormones, according to information from the Spanish Heart Foundation.
However, when your levels are elevated, cholesterol can become a risk factor. “It has been shown that people with high levels of cholesterol in their blood have twice the risk of suffering a myocardial infarction”, specifies this institution.
When the cells are unable to absorb all the cholesterol that circulates in the blood, what happens is that the excess is deposited on the walls of the arteries, which can lead to its progressive narrowing causing a disease called atherosclerosis, which hinders normal blood circulation.
Information from the National Library of Medicine of the United States indicates that the most common cause of high cholesterol is an unhealthy lifestyle that is reflected in habits unbalanced diets that include the consumption of harmful fats.
“One type, saturated fat, is found in some meats, dairy products, chocolate, baked goods, and processed and fried foods. Another type, trans fat, is found in some fried and processed foods. Eating these fats can raise your bad cholesterol (LDL), “says the aforementioned source.
To an unhealthy diet is added the lack of physical activity, with a lot of sedentary lifestyle and little exercise. When this happens, people risk lowering their good cholesterol (HDL).
Smoking is another cause that affects cholesterol increases. People who smoke, especially women, are also at risk of lowering their good cholesterol levels and raising their bad cholesterol levels.
Since diet plays a determining role, it is important to include in it products that help control or prevent this substance from falling out of normal ranges.
One of these foods is zucchini, which is rich in vitamins A, E, B and C. “The contribution in vitamin C is used when the zucchini is consumed raw or slightly steamed,” says the Nutrition and Pharmacy portal, from Spain.
Zucchini is recognized for being a good source of antioxidants. Its contribution in vitamins A and C reduces oxidative damage and protects the body against free radicals; It is diuretic, it has a high water content, it is low in calories and its components include pectin, cellulose, omega-3 and carotenoids.
Specifically in what has to do with cholesterol, zucchini provides antioxidant properties, which help protect against this condition. Added to this is that it is rich in rutin (family of flavonoids), which counteracts the risk that a person may suffer from atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of substances inside the arteries, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute , from the United States.
Additionally, this food is good for strengthening the eyes because it contains lutein and zeaxanthin. “These phytonutrients have a positive impact on vision. They guarantee that the eyes are safe from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays and prevent macular degeneration associated with age”, indicates an article published in the newspaper The vanguardfrom Spain.
Other benefits
Given its high water content and the fact that it is a diuretic product, this vegetable is not fattening and is even ideal for people who want to lose weight; It helps control blood pressure and has nutrients such as iron, calcium and phosphorus that favor the formation and strengthening of bone structure.
However, it is important to emphasize that for these foods to work and generate real effects in the body, they must be consumed within the framework of a balanced diet and exercising regularly.