Today, we will debunk some of the myths related to bad cholesterol and will also discuss some of the foods that contain good cholesterol and foods that you should avoid because such foods contain bad cholesterol.
The biggest myth debunked by the Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar is that people have stopped eating foods that have good fats like butter, ghee and malai. It is important for you to understand the difference between good and bad cholesterol before you worry about getting a heart attack.
It is time to understand and debunk the myths related to bad cholesterol and understanding the things you need to keep in mind when it comes to cholesterol levels.
According to Rujuta Diwekar, “A lot of time we think cholesterol is just fat because every time we do a blood test, this cholesterol report comes as lipid profile. We feel that only if we are overweight we can have cholesterol. But even thin people can have it. Cholesterol is not just fat, it is a sterol. Its actual name is lipo-protein.”
Also, some people think that cholesterol is like fat, but fat and cholesterol are different because cholesterol is known as a lipoprotein, which means it is made of both protein and fats. We can divide cholesterol into three categories like very bad, good and bad cholesterol.
Three Categories of Cholesterol you should know:
1. High-density lipoprotein (HDL):
This category of cholesterol can be described as good cholesterol because HDL contains more protein and less fat that helps to keep your heart healthy.
2. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL):
This category of cholesterol contains more fat compared to High-density lipoprotein and therefore people think this type of cholesterol is bad cholesterol but it is actually not that bad it was made out to be. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) helps to synthesise vitamin D, helps to make your hormones, create energy and works as antioxidants.
3. Very Low-density lipoprotein (VLDL):
This category of cholesterol comes under very bad cholesterol because VLDL contains excess fat with low protein levels. And when it comes to triglycerides, it is pure fat and therefore it is better to maintain lower levels of triglycerides in your body.
People who are struggling with bad cholesterol levels should consume foods that are rich in HDL and low in VLDL. It is important to reduce the intake of VLDL because if your cholesterol levels increase to a haphazard level, this can lead to diabetes and other health problems.
It is better to have a natural source of fats like milk, eggs and meat and it is better to have whole eggs instead of removing yolk because yolk has all the good nutrition and you should have yolks. You can also have cashew nuts, peanuts and coconut to have good cholesterol, but make sure you avoid having alcohol with it.
Some people think that air frying does not cause any harm, but it is close to deep frying, therefore focus on the quality of your food. When it comes to preparing your food, cooking oils also play a vital role, and therefore you should select the cooking oil based on the region you are from. There are various factors that define your cholesterol levels, like your age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, genetic factors and exercise.
“Diets that cut out facts, carbohydrates, and fasting for long hours can be bad for your cholesterol levels,” she further said. Also, it is better for packaged foods because this can really help to avoid bad cholesterol. But this does not mean that you will not exercise. It is essential to at least workout for three hours a week. Excess stress and lack of sleep can also cause liver and heart problems.
7 Foods that are High in Cholesterol but Incredibly Nutritious.
1. Full-Fat Yogurt
2. Eggs
3. Organ Meats
4. Shellfish
5. Sardines
6. Full-Fat Yogurt
7. Pasture-Raised Steak
Foods that are high in cholesterol but negatively affect your health:
· Processed Meats
· Fried Foods
· Fast Food
· Desserts
Healthy Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol:
An excess level of bad cholesterol in your blood vessel increases the risk of heart diseases and other health problems. However, there are some tips that help to improve your bad cholesterol levels, like:
· Have fibre-rich foods.
· Try to be more active physically.
· Try to lose excess body weight.
· Have foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
· Have seasonal and fresh fruits and vegetables.
We hope with the help of this blog; it is much easier to understand the myths related to bad cholesterol and also understand the tips to be able to control cholesterol levels.