5 surprising facts about cholesterol

As result of this, we always consider it to be bad and harmful to heart health in particular. Yes, it is true, that high cholesterol isn't good for your heart. But, there are some other important facts about cholesterol that are just as important. Let's take a look...

Some symptoms of high cholesterol are visible to the naked eye

Generally, you come to know about high cholesterol through your doctor. But many a times reddish bumps show up on the body. They are known as xanthomas, and are caused by high cholesterol.

Exercise can increase good cholesterol

Daily exercise is very beneficial for healthy living; more so if you want to control cholesterol. Regular exercise can help lower bad cholesterol and increase the density of good cholesterol naturally.

Cholesterol rises after menopause

Before menopause, estrogen helps to keep cholesterol levels in check. But after a woman's last menstrual cycle, the level of estrogen falls, making the bad cholesterol rise sharply. As the level of cholesterol rises, it also increases the risk of heart problems in many women.

Low cholesterol can be bad as well

Though we all know that high cholesterol is bad for health, on the other hand, very low cholesterol is also associated with health problems. It is important to have a steady level of cholesterol, because if the cholesterol level drops below 160 mg/dL it may increase the chances of certain types of cancer, depression and early delivery.

Kids can have cholesterol as well

Due to obesity or family history of heart disease, kids as young as two can have high cholesterol. Hence, it is important to have a medical checkup done as early as possible and keep your diet in check.