Author: Zac Ch’ng, Nutritionist
Understand our blood test report will definitely help us to effectively manage our health.
Terms like LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, etc are found under lipid profile in blood test report. But, do we really comprehend those terms?
The first term is cholesterol. People normally perceive cholesterol as an absolute bad because it is highly linked to negative health issues. However, cholesterol is essential in producing healthy cells and hormone. Thus, the impact of cholesterol lies on it’s healthy level. We should always strive to maintain a total cholesterol level of less than 5.2mmol/L for men and women. Exceeding this level indicating a higher risk of getting cardiovascular problems.
Cholesterol is further elaborated as LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. The ratio between these two is especially important in determining the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, known as LDL cholesterol is regarded as bad cholesterol because it has an adverse health effects to human body due to increased tendency to be deposited on the inner walls of blood vessels, subsequently causing formation of plaque. When blood vessels are hardening with clot, the chances for heart disease and stroke will be increased.
High-density lipoprotein cholesterol, known as HDL cholesterol, whereas is regarded as good cholesterol. HDL cholesterol transports LDL cholesterol to liver for elimination. Thus, by increasing HDL cholesterol, we can lower LDL cholesterol.
Triglyceride is another so-called ‘bad’ lipid when exceeding the normal range of 1.7 mmol/L. High level of triglyceride causes hardening and thickening of the blood vessels (atherosclerosis), which increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases.
In summary, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride should always be kept at normal range. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol level should be boosted up via exercise or good oils intake.
Healthy oils such as monounsaturated fat (MUFA)and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) play an important role as one of their main function is to lower total cholesterol especially LDL cholesterol, and raise HDL cholesterol. Besides, they are proven to have the effect of lowering blood triglyceride levels.
Among MUFA and PUFA food sources, Sacha Inchi nut has gained the honor of being so-called SUPERFOOD and being the most renowned nut in the market worldwide. This is because it consists of up to 92% of MUFA and PUFA. Extracted sacha inchi oil via virgin cold press is now well recognised as the most popular plant-based Omega-3 oil recommended by many experts.