Your cholesterol is high, but that doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world. Most doctors will tell you that if your cholesterol is high and your diet and exercise routine are in control, then there is no need to panic. Your cholesterol should still be checked periodically because in some cases, it can lead to heart disease or other serious health issues.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the blood. It’s responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout the body.
Most people have normal cholesterol levels, but some people have too much cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease.
How do you know if your cholesterol is high?
Your doctor will use a blood test to measure your cholesterol level.
The difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol
There is a big difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is considered “bad” cholesterol, while HDL cholesterol is considered “good” cholesterol.
HDL cholesterol helps remove bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. It also helps protect the walls of your arteries. A high level of HDL cholesterol is a sign that your body is working to keep your arteries healthy.
LDL cholesterol, on the other hand, can build up in the bloodstream over time. A high level of LDL cholesterol can lead to heart disease. There are many things you can do to lower your LDL cholesterol levels, including eating a healthy diet and exercise.
Diet changes to improve your cholesterol levels
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a diet that reduces saturated and trans fat, increases fruit and vegetable consumption, lowers cholesterol, and limits sodium. According to the AHA, these steps can help improve your cholesterol levels:
Reduce saturated fat – Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs; avoid high-fat foods such as cheese, butter, pork products, and full-fat dairy products.
– Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs; avoid high-fat foods such as cheese, butter, pork products, and full-fat dairy products. Increase fruit and vegetable consumption – Eat at least two servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
– Eat at least two servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Lower cholesterol – Follow a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a low-fat diet.
– Follow a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a low-fat diet. Limit sodium – Consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium each day.
Foods with cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is important for your body. It’s responsible for helping your body to make hormones, which helps you to stay healthy.
There are many foods that contain cholesterol. Some of these foods include:
meats
poultry
eggs
seafood
cheese
butter
nuts and seeds
Conclusion
Cholesterol is a lipid found in the blood and it’s responsible for transporting cholesterol, fats, and other substances around the body. Your liver creates cholesterol when you eat foods that contain saturated fat, such as meat, dairy products, and certain types of oils. In order to reduce your risk of heart disease, it’s important to keep your cholesterol levels in check. There are many ways to do this, including following a healthy diet and exercising regularly. If you’re still struggling to lower your cholesterol levels despite taking all these precautions, speak with your doctor about whether a ketogenic diet might be right for you.
