Did you know that too much cholesterol in the blood can create blockages that lead to heart and circulatory diseases?

It's a common myth that all cholesterol is harmful, but the truth is that cholesterol is essential for your body. It helps produce bile acids, vitamin D, healthy cells, and essential hormones. For cholesterol to move through your bloodstream, your body uses proteins called lipoproteins. The two main types—low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)—have different effects on your health.

But before you start panicking or experimenting with every trending remedy to control cholesterol levels and lipid profiles, let's dive into what science says about cholesterol,  how it impacts your health, and what you can actually do about it.

Understanding Cholesterol: What's Normal and What's Not?

Every day, the food you eat contains different kinds of nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. While carbs and proteins are essential, fats (also called lipids) play a crucial role too. Your body uses fats for energy, to build cells, and to produce hormones. But not all fats work the same way—some are beneficial, while others can be harmful if not properly processed and transported.

Cholesterol is one such fat, a waxy, lipid-like substance that flows through your bloodstream. It is found in every cell of your body and is necessary for essential functions like making hormones and vitamin D. However, just as an excessive flood of water is harmful, immoderate cholesterol levels are also dangerous for health. They can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

So, how do you know if your cholesterol levels are in check? That's where a lipid profile comes in! A lipid profile is a simple blood test that measures different types of fats in your blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. It includes the following parameters, i.e., LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides.

What are LDL and HDL Cholesterol?

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: Also known as bad cholesterol, LDL builds up in the arteries and increases the risk of heart problems. A healthy level of bad cholesterol is below 4.0 mmol/L. However, after a heart attack or stroke, it should be below 2.6 mmol/L for better heart health.

• HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol: Called good cholesterol because it helps remove excess fat from the bloodstream and keeps the heart healthy. For a healthy level, men should have above 1.0 mmol/L of good cholesterol, while women should have above 1.2 mmol/L.

What are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood that the body uses for energy. It is the combination of high levels of triglycerides with low HDL and high LDL cholesterol levels that can increase your risk for health problems.

According to WHO, the normal range of cholesterol levels are:

• Total Cholesterol: Below 200 mg/dL or about 150 mg/dL.

• LDL (Bad Cholesterol): Below 100 mg/dL

• HDL (Good Cholesterol): Atleast 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women.

• Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL 

How Do You Improve Cholesterol Levels?

There are healthy tips that you can follow and a few that you should avoid to improve cholesterol levels:

• Limit unhealthy fats: Reduce intake of fatty foods and saturated fats to prevent cholesterol buildup.

• Include heart-healthy foods: To support heart health, try adding foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts).

• Adopt a healthier lifestyle: You can also change your lifestyle to improve your cholesterol, including quitting smoking, regularly exercising, losing weight, and avoiding drinking.

There are also some natural ingredients to manage cholesterol levels, including annatto-derived Vitamin E Tocotrienol. Studies have shown that Tocotrienol, a naturally occurring Vitamin E compound, supports healthy cholesterol levels and lipid metabolism. But how does it work? Let's break it down in simple terms.

How Cholesterol Affects the Body?

• Liver & Cholesterol Production: HMG-CoA reductase is an enzyme inside your liver that helps make cholesterol. This enzyme plays a key role in producing cholesterol by converting certain substances into mevalonate, an essential building block for cholesterol. When this enzyme works too much, it creates excess cholesterol, which can lead to clogged arteries and heart problems.

• Heart Health: An imbalance in cholesterol levels can impact heart health, making it essential to maintain a healthy balance for overall well-being. High LDL (bad cholesterol) increases heart disease risk, while HDL (good cholesterol) helps remove excess cholesterol. Therefore, keeping both LDL and HDL in check is key for a happy heart.

• Brain Function: Did you know that cholesterol doesn't just affect the heart; it also plays a crucial role in brain health? Our brain actually needs some cholesterol to build cells, make connections, and help nerves send signals. However, too much cholesterol can cause problems. It can lead to clogged blood vessels in the brain, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply. It increases the risk of strokes, damages brain cells, and also contributes to Alzheimer's disease.

These factors can affect cholesterol levels, but the real question is: How do we know that Vitamin E Tocotrienols actually help improve cholesterol? Well, science has the answer! Several scientific studies have shown that tocotrienols naturally lower bad cholesterol (LDL), increase good cholesterol (HDL), and support heart health. Research shows that tocotrienols work by blocking HMG-CoA reductase, the key enzyme responsible for cholesterol production in the liver.

What are The Scientific Studies on Tocotrienol and Cholesterol?

Let's examine some of the scientific evidence showing that Vitamin E Tocotrienols can help manage cholesterol effectively.

• A clinical study conducted in 2011 involved 120 participants with high cholesterol. Researchers divided them into two groups: one group took tocotrienol supplements, while the other took a placebo. After 6 months, the results showed that those who took tocotrienols experienced a 20% reduction in LDL (bad cholesterol) and a 5% increase in HDL (good cholesterol) compared to the placebo group. The study also suggests tocotrienols naturally lower cholesterol by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that produces cholesterol in the liver.

• Another research was conducted in a lab using neuroblastoma cells (a type of brain cell). The study found that alpha-tocotrienols help regulate cholesterol homeostasis, which means they help maintain a healthy balance of cholesterol in the brain. The results also showed that tocotrienols reduced cholesterol production by about 20% and also lowered oxidative stress (damage caused by harmful molecules called free radicals). By doing this, tocotrienols may also help protect brain cells and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

• The study, conducted in 2002, included 25 participants and found that subjects who took TRF25 (also known as the concentrated extract of tocotrienol) experienced a significant decrease in LDL cholesterol, which is the main contributor to artery blockages and cardiovascular diseases.

The Bottom Line

Cholesterol is essential for our body as it helps build cells, produce hormones, and support brain function. But like anything, too much of it can do more harm than good. When cholesterol levels get too high, they can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and stroke. If you’re dealing with high cholesterol, don’t ignore it. Early action is key. Simple lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, managing stress, staying active, and exploring natural options like Vitamin E Tocotrienol can make a real difference. Remember, small, consistent efforts lead to lasting results. Be consistent, make mindful choices, and give your heart the care it deserves!