Is Cholesterol A Carbohydrate? Role And Benefits!

Most people do not know about the relationship between cholesterol and carbohydrate. People believe that carbohydrates do not influence cholesterol levels in the body. Cholesterol contains lipids and protein. The body transports these fatty molecules around the body.

Relationship Between Cholesterol And Carbohydrates

Actually, carbohydrates play a strong relationship with cholesterol. Carbohydrates affect the cholesterol levels in the body. Carbohydrates are one of the three primary nutrients that are needed for the growth of the whole body.

Like proteins and fats, carbohydrates are mandatory to serve the body for different purposes. Most people don’t know how carbohydrates and cholesterol are interrelated. The article will give you the relationship between carbohydrates and cholesterol. 

What is the role of carbohydrates in cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the cells of our body. Cholesterol travels through blood around the body for various purposes. Cholesterol is also known as lipoproteins, considering the role of lipids and proteins within the substance.

Along with that, carbohydrates also contribute to increasing the low-density lipoprotein level in the body. Mainly cholesterol is divided into two types. These are low-density lipoprotein cholesterol which is considered to be bad cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein, also known as good cholesterol.

When the amount of LDL cholesterol increases in the blood, it can cause various health issues like cardiovascular disease and stroke. The high consumption of carbohydrates causes blood sugars to rise rapidly.

Carbohydrate converts into sugar molecules and it is mixed with the blood. The blood circulates throughout the body. High blood sugar also influences the insulin level and it turns out to raise cholesterol as well. Lipids store energy in the fat tissue. Unlike lipids, carbohydrates process as fuel to serve the cells in the body.

How do carbohydrates influence cholesterol levels?

Normal fat in the body is seen in the form of triglycerides. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood that causes various health issues like heart disease. It is an important and main form of lipid that is found in the body. The extra calories that you intake convert into triglycerides and are stored in the fat cells.

Later hormones released this type of cholesterol for energy between meals. When it comes to the process of carbohydrates, it increases the triglycerides which, in turn, also raises the very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. The liver is producing most of the cholesterol in the body. In addition, what you intake determines the cholesterol as well.

Carbohydrates allow very low-density lipoprotein interacts with LDL particles and it will be reflected in the raise of LDL cholesterol values. VLDL can transform LDL particles from small to large. The small LDL particles are inclined to oxidation. These LDL particles build blocks in the artery wall and atherosclerotic plaque. 

As we all know high-level carbohydrates lead to high blood sugar which causes a high-risk factor for heart disease. Carbs are essential nutrients for the development of the body.

But many of them have still doubts regarding how carbs cause cholesterol levels to up. Some of the research shows that the process of carbohydrates with the glycemic index connects with blood sugar. High processed carbs food lead to a rapid change in the glycemic index that brings out a remarkable increase in blood sugar. 

Significance of keeping a  balanced level of carbohydrates in your diet

Cholesterol may diagnose with several factors such as food habits, family history, sex, age, and changing lifestyles like smoking and drinking. High cholesterol causes several risk factors like heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

If a person with high cholesterol should follow a proper diet in order to balance cholesterol levels in the body. Most people have been diagnosed with a high level of LDL cholesterol due to their changing food habits. The only method is to reduce your low-density lipoprotein with proper medication and a heart-healthy diet.

Eating too much-refined carbohydrate foods will increase the cholesterol level. The number of carbohydrates in the body should keep at a balanced level. There are two types of carbohydrates. Respectively, they are known as healthy carbohydrates and refined carbohydrates.

When you have a high level of LDL cholesterol, your doctor would suggest following a healthy diet that includes the most nutrient-based food. Here comes the significance of carbohydrates. We saw that a high-level carbohydrate must affect the cholesterol level. We need an adequate amount of nutrients for the growth of the whole body. What would happen if it cross the limit? Absolutely it will affect your body in a harmful way.

Carbohydrates are the main fuel source. Research suggests that getting more than 60% of your daily calories from carbohydrates affects your blood cholesterol level. White rice is considered the most carbohydrate food that increases cholesterol levels. The person who is having high cholesterol must take advice from the primary care provider before starting the diet. 

A study revealed the shocking news that one-third of all U.S. adults have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. People who want to lower their cholesterol levels must be ready to avoid high-level carbs from their daily food. Carbohydrates are found in both healthy and unhealthy foods.

They enter the body in a variety of forms. Some foods are packed rich in carbohydrates such as cookies, candies, and other sweets gradually lead to high blood sugar. On the other hand, natural foods which include carbohydrates such as apples, potatoes, berries, oats, orange juice, etc are beneficial for your health to lower total cholesterol levels in the body. A moderate level of consuming carbohydrates will lower cholesterol. A person can consume 50 to 100 grams of carbs per day.

If it raise above 60% of your total calories will affect your blood sugar level and cholesterol as well. Healthy carbohydrates help to lower cholesterol levels. Certain carbs are not needed for your body. It reflects in your body as fat. You should be aware of the number of carbohydrates that you intake a day. Avoiding saturated fat and trans fat is really beneficial for lowering cholesterol. 

Carbohydrates are considered a good source of vitamins and minerals. But all carbohydrates do not serve the same purpose. So, it is essential to ensure the quality and quantity of carbohydrates that you intake.

Otherwise, it will affect the whole system of the body. Refined carbohydrates are bad for your health. A low-carb diet is a good way to reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Eating healthy carb foods such as a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as brown rice, and whole wheat helps to burn the unwanted cholesterol in the body.

Conclusion – Is Cholesterol a carbohydrate or protein?

You all know about the significance of carbohydrates in the body. But some of them might not be familiar with the role of carbohydrates in cholesterol and its influence on blood cholesterol.

Carbohydrates and cholesterol are influencing each other in different stages. Try to make HDL cholesterol by keeping your healthy carbohydrates on the grocery list.

References

National Library Of Medicine: Association between Carbohydrate Intake and Serum Lipids. Available Online at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1479303/

Mayoclinic.Org: Carbohydrates: How carbs fit into a healthy diet. Available Online at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/carbohydrates/art-20045705

Harvard Chan Home. Cholesterol. Available Online at: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/fats-and-cholesterol/cholesterol/