Of Triglycerides, HDL & LDL...

A couple of weeks ago, I went for a basic health screening test at Dayspring Medical Group. I took the most basic package so that only required a blood test. (I need to fast the night before; for at least 10hrs prior to the test). The results were out a few days later.

I received a good report. :)

My BMI is within the normal range.
My blood pressure is within the normal range.
My total cholesterol level falls within the desirable range. The breakdown is as follows:

Total Cholesterol : 173 (Desirable)

HDL Cholesterol : 80 (High)

LDL Cholesterol : 88 (Optimal)

Total/HDL Ratio : 2.2 (Normal)

Triglycerides : 27 (Optimal)

For some of you who have no idea what the above means, here's the definition.

HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol is known to be the "good" cholesterol as it helps remove cholesterol from the tissue and transport it to the liver for harmless excretion. A high level of HDL cholesterol lowers the risk of atherosclerosis (thickened artery wall due to buildup of fatty materials). A low level increases the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol is the "bad" cholesterol as it transports cholesterol to be deposited as fat on the walls of bloof vessels. An increase in LDL is associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the fat tissue of the body. They are converted from excess calories and stored in fat tissue providing a major source of energy for the body. Consumption of food rich in animal fat and alcohol are known to elevate the triglycerides level. Very high levels are associated with obesity and coronary risk.

The main objective to take the test is to find out about my cholesterol profile because I have no idea what mine looked like. Now I know.

I give thanks to my Lord for giving me a good report.

About a year ago, I heard Pastor Joshua's preaching on diet and health. He testified that he prayed to God for a healthy body and then he went about eating whatever he desired. He would sometimes stop eating what he was eating and went on to buy another plate of food just because his body no longer desired eating that food. If he feels full, he would stop eating as opposed to many of us who would finish the entire plate of food because our grandmothers once told us not to waste food. In the process, he gained a healthy body without the need to diet and he gave God all the glory.

That sermon left a deep impression on me as I wanted to have a beautiful, healthy and trim body. A year ago, I weighed 59kg. My height is 1.62m and that weight on the scale was not ideal. I decided to go by F.A.I.T.H.

I prayed to God to give me a beautiful, healthy and trim body.

He told me to eat when I feel like it and stop when I am full. He also said I should eat whatever I desire.

That sounded very good to me and I followed His advice.

One year on, I weigh 51.6kg now (without the need to diet and I also did not do any exercise apart from doing housework).

Most friends who saw me commented that I looked good and I do feel alot better now that I am trim.

To God be the glory!!

The medical report is a testament of His goodness to me.

I really believe that in every thing that we do, we should always seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)