Does eating foods that contain cholesterol are not good for the body? Are we not allowed to consume cholesterol foods? Cholesterol is actually needed by the body, but increased levels, especially the bad kind, the low density lipoprotein (LDL), is quite influential on the occurrence of CHD.
Cholesterol plays an important role in the formation of cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D. Liver makes it and connect it to carrier proteins called lipoproteins, which makes it soluble in the blood and transported throughout the body. In order to not get stuck with misconceptions about cholesterol, see the myths and facts cholesterol below.
Cholesterol is bad
Myth. In fact, cholesterol is essential for body functions. Dr. John Gullota, chairman of the AMA Therapeutics Committee, as quoted by Good Health & Medicine, said about 75 percent of cholesterol produced by the body and 25 percent is obtained from food.
Most cholesterol is made by the liver and is important for many processes, including the production of sex hormones and vitamin D, as well as for brain and nerve function. Cholesterol is joined with a protein to form lipoproteins helps travel in the bloodstream.
Added by prof. DR. Made Astawan, MS, food technology and nutrition experts from the IPB, although considered dangerous, the body's cholesterol is still needed. Average human takes 1100 milligrams of cholesterol per day to maintain cell walls and other physiological functions. Of these 25-40 per cent, or about 200-300 mg is normally derived from food, the rest is synthesized by the body.
All that high cholesterol levels put you at risk of disease.
Myth. The body needs cholesterol to make cell membranes and hormones. There are two kinds of cholesterol that should be observed, namely HDL good cholesterol and bad cholesterol (LDL).
Cholesterol wicked that form plaques in the arteries and cause heart disease. Conversely, the good cholesterol helps remove bad cholesterol from the blood. The higher the HDL, the better. The lower the LDL will also be getting better.
Low-fat diet is healthy and exercise will naturally help you manage your cholesterol. Treatment will help when diet and exercise are not enough.
Symptoms of high cholesterol risk can be seen.
Myth. In fact, one in five Americans has high cholesterol. Unfortunately, many do not know because usually without symptoms.
Some people only learn if he has high cholesterol after a heart attack or stroke. Not sure if you run the risk of high cholesterol? Perform routine cholesterol tests every five years, beginning at the age of 20.
Treatment to be the only way to manage high cholesterol risk.
Myth. The main way to reduce the risk of high cholesterol is through diet, exercise, and medication. However, according Gullotta, "Better to lower cholesterol naturally when you can do." For example, maintaining a healthy weight, be physically active at least 30 minutes every day, and consumption of healthy food by reducing saturated fat to less than 7 percent of daily calories . Exercise can lower LDL and raise HDL.
Another tip, cholesterol intake of less than 200 mg per day, reduce trans fatty acids (hydrogenated oils), asup 25-35 grams of fiber, and increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids by eating fish or fish oil supplements. When diet and exercise alone are not enough lower your cholesterol, your doctor may recommend medication.
The risk of having high cholesterol increases the likelihood of type-2 diabetes mellitus.
Fact. Risk high in cholesterol can contribute most in the development of type-2 diabetes. Good cholesterol below 35 mg / dL is a risk factor for diabetes. Other risk factors are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, inactivity, and high blood pressure.
Type-2 diabetes such as high-risk cholesterol, can secretly. You may know it until you experience it. Learn your risk of diabetes. Do check fasting blood sugar if you are overweight.
If total cholesterol is normal, you're not at risk of heart attack or stroke.
Myth. In fact, even if your total cholesterol is normal, less than 200 mg / dL, high LDL cholesterol or low HDL will actually increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
That is why it is important to know all your cholesterol numbers. To reduce the risk of disease, do check cholesterol and follow doctor's orders.
Cigarettes and alcohol can affect your cholesterol.
Fact. Alcohol and smoking can alter cholesterol. Several studies have shown moderate amounts of alcohol (about one drink per day for women or two drinks for men) can raise good cholesterol. In contrast, smoking has been shown to lower good cholesterol.
If you have never consumed alcohol before, no need to begin to have a positive effect on cholesterol. Therefore, healthful diet itself can already increase good cholesterol. However, if you smoke, try to quit. Not only will it help cholesterol, but also will reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Cholesterol checks should be done first at age 45.
Myth. In fact, checking cholesterol when age was creeping up can make you missed. The WebMD site explained that every person should have cholesterol tests every five years starting at age 20 years.
Fasting lipid profile checked after you have fasted for 9-12 hours. The results of your tests will break down cholesterol into several parts, namely triglycerides, HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol. A healthy picture, triglycerides less than 150 mg / dL, HDL over 40 mg / dL, LDL less than 100 mg / dL, and total cholesterol below 200 mg / dL. Start checking cholesterol early on will put you in a healthy lifestyle in later life.
Eliminating meat, cheese, and fat from the diet will make everything okay.
Myth. In fact, removing one or two of food groups is not a healthy way to manage cholesterol. No need to avoid all fats, meats, and dairy products from your diet.
The key to managing cholesterol levels is portion control and food diversity. Foods high in saturated fat increases blood cholesterol more than anything else. To that end, restriction of saturated fat and cholesterol intake can make a change.
Cholesterol equivalent to fat.
Myth. In fact, judging from their chemical structure, cholesterol is a steroid group, ie a substance belonging to the class of lipid or fat. However, cholesterol and fat are different substances. The food can be high in fat, but cholesterol-free, for example olive oil. Other foods can be low in fat but high in cholesterol, such as the kidneys.
To keep your heart healthy, replace saturated fats with monounsaturated fats and double that is friendly to your body.
Antioxidants only provide protection against cancer.
Myth. In fact, antioxidants also protect against bad cholesterol, as well as heart disease. Antioxidants protect against free radical damage. Antioxidants found in most fruits and vegetables. Green tea and dark chocolate with a good quality is a source of antioxidants. The presence of these antioxidants will reduce the risk of heart disease.