Cases of degenerative diseases are currently increasing significantly worldwide. Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 39% of the global population, or approximately 2.5 to 3 billion people, suffer from high cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia. This condition contributes to approximately 4.4 million deaths each year.
Hypercholesterolemia is a condition in which the level of bad cholesterol or LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) in the blood is high. This disease is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it develops slowly without clear symptoms but can seriously damage the body over time.
How Does Cholesterol Damage the Body?
LDL, commonly known as bad cholesterol, plays a major role in damaging the blood vessel system. When LDL levels are too high, it accumulates on the walls of blood vessels and forms plaque.
This condition is known as Atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing and hardening of blood vessels. As a result, blood flow that carries oxygen throughout the body becomes less optimal.
The impacts of this condition are very serious, including:
🫀 Coronary Heart Diseas
Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to cholesterol buildup, reducing blood flow to the heart. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.
🧠Stroke
Stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a ruptured vessel. It can lead to sudden weakness, speech difficulties, and permanent brain damage if not treated quickly.
🔄 Circulatory disorders
Circulatory disorders refer to conditions that affect blood flow throughout the body, preventing organs from receiving enough oxygen and nutrients, which may lead to serious health complications.
The risk of disease depends on the location of the blockage in the blood vessels.
Risk Factors for High Cholesterol
High cholesterol generally develops without obvious symptoms. However, several major risk factors are closely related to modern lifestyles:
1. High Saturated Fat Diet
In the modern era, the consumption of fast food such as fried foods, processed foods, and foods high in saturated fat is increasing. These types of food can significantly raise LDL levels in the blood.
2. Lack of Physical Activity
A lack of physical activity reduces fat burning in the body. This condition can increase LDL levels and decrease HDL (good cholesterol), worsening overall cholesterol balance.
3. Obesity
Obesity is a condition of excessive body fat, especially around the abdominal area. This condition significantly contributes to increased bad cholesterol levels and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Smoking
Harmful substances in cigarettes can damage blood vessel walls and reduce HDL levels. This accelerates plaque buildup in the arteries.
If a person has one or more of these risk factors, the likelihood of developing high cholesterol increases.
How to Detect High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol often does not show specific symptoms. However, in some cases, the following signs may appear:
Fatigue is one of the common signs experienced by people with high cholesterol. This occurs because blood flow carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body is not optimal due to narrowed blood vessels. As oxygen supply decreases, the body cannot produce energy efficiently, causing a person to feel tired more quickly even during light activities.
Chest pain, known as Angina pectoris, may occur due to high cholesterol levels. This condition happens when the arteries supplying the heart become narrowed due to plaque buildup.
Headaches or dizziness can occur due to reduced blood flow to the brain caused by narrowed blood vessels. This leads to decreased oxygen supply, triggering headaches or dizziness.
Tingling sensations may occur due to poor blood circulation caused by narrowed blood vessels. This condition results in nerves lacking oxygen, leading to numbness or a tingling feeling in certain parts of the body.
Fat deposits under the skin, known as Xanthoma, are characterized by small yellowish lumps, usually around the eyes, elbows, knees, or tendons. This condition indicates fat accumulation in skin tissues and may signal lipid metabolism disorders.
The most accurate way to determine cholesterol levels is through a blood test (lipid profile) performed regularly.
Scientific Research on the Benefits of Lemongrass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a herbal plant that has long been used in traditional medicine. Modern research is now revealing its benefits scientifically, especially related to its bioactive compounds.
1. Main Bioactive Components (Phytochemicals)
Lemongrass contains essential oils rich in active compounds such as:
Citral is the main compound in lemongrass essential oil that gives a fresh lemon-like aroma. It belongs to natural aldehydes and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Citral may also help lower cholesterol levels and support digestive and metabolic health.
Geraniol is a natural compound found in lemongrass essential oil and belongs to monoterpene alcohols. It has a floral aroma and is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Geraniol may help protect cells from free radical damage and support heart health by maintaining cholesterol balance.
Limonene is a natural compound found in lemongrass essential oil and belongs to the terpene group with a citrus-like aroma. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect cells from oxidative damage and support digestive health while maintaining lipid balance.
These compounds have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential beneficial for overall health.
source : National Library Of Medicine
Potential of Lemongrass in Lowering Cholesterol
Several studies show that the antioxidant compounds in lemongrass may help reduce cholesterol through various mechanisms:
How to Consume Lemongrass for Health
Lemongrass can be consumed in various forms, including:
For consumption, boil 2–3 stalks of lemongrass in water for 10–15 minutes and drink regularly.
Conclusion
High cholesterol is a degenerative disease that continues to rise and poses a serious global health threat. Modern lifestyle habits are a major contributing factor.
However, through healthy lifestyle changes and the use of natural ingredients such as lemongrass, the risk can be reduced. Lemongrass has strong potential as a supportive therapy due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cholesterol-lowering properties.
Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and undergoing routine health checks remain the most important steps in preventing and managing high cholesterol.