Why does cholesterol get deposited in arteries? – Scientific explanation in Ayurveda
In today’s time, problems like Heart Attack, Stroke, Blood Pressure, Diabetes, etc. have become very common. One of the main root causes behind these diseases is cholesterol/plaque deposition in arteries (Atherosclerosis). This is not just “fat” alone; it is a combination of Ama, Inflammation, blood impurities, damage to arterial wall, etc. From the Ayurvedic point of view, this mainly occurs due to: Medo Dhatu Dushti (vitiation of fat tissue) Ama formation Srotorodha (blockage of channels) Dhamani Pratichaya (hardening/thickening of arteries) These together lead to cholesterol deposition in arteries. 1) Why does cholesterol increase in arteries? – Causes (A) Excess oily and fatty diet (Oily food) Excess oil, ghee, fried items, meat, fast foods, etc. increase Kapha and Meda, leading to raised cholesterol. Shloka (Charaka – Santarpana) अव्यायामाद् दिवास्वप्नात् स्नेहात् मधुरभोजनात् । मेदः प्रकोपमाप्नोति॥ Meaning: Lack of exercise, day slee...