How does decreasing cholesterol intake prevent heart disease?
1. Reducing the amount of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood: LDL cholesterol is the main type of cholesterol that builds up in the arteries and can cause plaque, which can lead to heart disease. By decreasing cholesterol intake, you can help reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood and lower your risk of heart disease.
2. Increasing the amount of HDL (good) cholesterol in the blood: HDL cholesterol helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries and transport it to the liver, where it can be broken down and removed from the body. By decreasing cholesterol intake, you can help increase the amount of HDL cholesterol in the blood and lower your risk of heart disease.
3. Reducing inflammation: Cholesterol can contribute to inflammation in the body, which is a major risk factor for heart disease. By decreasing cholesterol intake, you can help reduce inflammation and lower your risk of heart disease.
4. Improving blood flow: Cholesterol can also build up in the arteries and cause them to become hardened and narrowed, which can restrict blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. By decreasing cholesterol intake, you can help improve blood flow and lower your risk of heart disease.
5. Reducing the risk of blood clots: Cholesterol can contribute to the formation of blood clots, which can block arteries and lead to heart attacks and strokes. By decreasing cholesterol intake, you can help reduce the risk of blood clots and lower your risk of heart disease.
In addition to these mechanisms, decreasing cholesterol intake can also help to maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of diabetes - all of which are risk factors for heart disease.