Cholesterol is a substance that our body creates naturally and is needed in sufficient amounts to create new and healthy blood cells. It is essential to make certain hormones in our bodies, in addition to producing vitamin D. When elevated beyond normal levels, it starts to pose health risks. Cholesterol levels in our blood become elevated either due to hereditary genes, and/or when we consume a large amount of food rich in saturated fat. Hypercholesterolemia must be treated with lifestyle modification in addition to cholesterol-lowering medication if needed to prevent coronary heart disease. 

During the holy month of Ramadan, our diet should not differ very much from a daily healthy diet.  The diet should be simple and aid in maintaining our normal weight, neither losing nor gaining. However, if one is over-weight, Ramadan is an ideal time to get rid of the extra kilograms.

Zinc is a trace mineral, meaning that the body only needs in small amount. It is a major player in the creation of DNA, growth of cells, building proteins, healing damaged tissue, and supporting a healthy immune system.

Zinc helps your immune system and metabolism function. It is also important for wound healing and to enhance your sense of taste and smell. With a varied diet, your body usually gets enough zinc.

It is considered an essential nutrient, meaning that your body can’t produce or store it.

For this reason, you must get a constant supply through your diet.

Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers; they are involved in every aspect in your health. Your body produces the precise amount of each hormone needed to keep you healthy. They play a major role in controlling your appetite, weight, mood, sleeping pattern and your predisposition towards certain medical conditions. Hormone imbalances, either excess or deficit, can increase the risk of multiple diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Although several factors that affect your hormones are beyond your control, such as aging and certain medical conditions, there are other factors that are within your control. Let us explore the tell-tale signs of hormonal imbalance and discover how to address them.