Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential in the body. It plays a vital role in building cells, producing hormones, and aiding digestion.

However, when there is too much cholesterol in the body, it can lead to health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. While a healthy diet is a crucial factor in maintaining good cholesterol levels, some people struggle to keep their cholesterol levels under control, despite what they eat.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is produced in the liver and found in some foods. It is an essential component in cell membranes and helps produce hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.

The liver produces enough cholesterol to meet the body’s needs, and any excess cholesterol is eliminated from the body.

Types of Cholesterol

There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol,” can build up in the walls of the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis.

HDL cholesterol, or “good cholesterol,” helps prevent the buildup of LDL cholesterol and removes excess cholesterol from the body.

Factors That Affect Cholesterol Levels

There are several factors that can affect cholesterol levels, including:.

Genetics: Some people inherit genes that increase their cholesterol levels.
Diet: A diet high in saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
Physical activity: Lack of exercise can lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Weight: Being overweight or obese can raise LDL cholesterol levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels.
Age: Cholesterol levels tend to increase with age.
Gender: Women generally have higher HDL cholesterol levels than men.

What is a Healthy Cholesterol Level?

A healthy cholesterol level is generally considered to be:.

Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher
LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL

Why Some People’s Cholesterol Levels Stay High Despite a Healthy Diet

While a healthy diet is an essential factor in maintaining good cholesterol levels, some individuals may still struggle to bring their cholesterol levels under control, despite what they eat. Here are some reasons why:.

Genetics

Genetics play a significant role in cholesterol levels, and some people may inherit genes that make it challenging to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

Inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) can cause high LDL cholesterol levels, even with a healthy diet and lifestyle. FH is a genetic disorder that affects about 1 in 250 people and increases the risk of heart disease at an early age.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less sensitive to insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.

When insulin resistance occurs, the body produces more insulin to keep blood sugar levels normal, and this can lead to high LDL cholesterol levels. A diet high in carbohydrates, particularly refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta, can contribute to insulin resistance and high cholesterol levels.

Inflammation

Inflammation is the body’s response to injury or infection and plays a crucial role in healing. However, when inflammation becomes chronic, it can contribute to various health problems, including heart disease.

Research suggests that chronic inflammation can lead to high LDL cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis, even with a healthy diet.

Hormones

Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone play a role in cholesterol levels. Women generally have higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men because of the estrogen hormone.

However, after menopause, when estrogen levels decline, women’s cholesterol levels may increase. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL cholesterol levels in women after menopause, but it is not without risks.

Medications

Some medications can affect cholesterol levels. For example, corticosteroids, beta-blockers, and diuretics can increase LDL cholesterol levels, while some types of birth control pills can lower HDL cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

While a healthy diet is an essential factor in maintaining good cholesterol levels, it may not be enough for some individuals. Genetics, insulin resistance, inflammation, hormones, and medications can all contribute to high cholesterol levels.

If you have high cholesterol levels, speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate treatment options, including medication and lifestyle changes.