High levels of cholesterol in the body are saturated fats, which are produced from an unhealthy diet, stress and lack of exercise.
Cholesterol and habits that increase cholesterol in the body have long been controversial. In the latest study from the Norwegian Research Institute, experts say that boiled eggs or caffeine can increase blood cholesterol levels. However, other analyzes show that these are two types of health foods.
Cholesterol is a fat that moves through the blood, via proteins called lipoproteins. Some comes from the foods we consume every day, but most (about 80%) is made by the liver. Cholesterol produces hormones and vitamin D, two important building blocks of cells.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transports cholesterol to cells where it is needed. LDL is also called “bad” cholesterol, because it can stick to artery walls, block blood vessels, and lead to heart attack or stroke. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), also known as “good” cholesterol, removes excess cholesterol from blood vessels and tissues and returns it to the liver, where it is eliminated from the body. HDL also helps prevent inflammation in the blood vessels.
The British Heart Foundation recommends adults have their blood cholesterol levels checked regularly. However, experts do not set an ideal cholesterol threshold for the body. For some people, low levels of HDL and LDL are consistent with preventing disease.
However, cholesterol is not the only factor affecting the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or stroke. Other factors include triglycerides, weight, age, diet, medical history and smoking habits, says Dr. Duane Mellor, registered dietitian and senior lecturer at Aston Medical School , said. Some people have genetic diseases that cause the body to have naturally high cholesterol.
Electron micrograph of cholesterol in the human body. Image: Science
According to experts, the main cause of high cholesterol is saturated fat.
“The total amount of fat consumed daily is used by the body as a source of energy. But in general, foods high in saturated fat exceed the body’s energy needs, which are more easily converted to cholesterol than other foods. unsaturated fats,” said Dr Dermot Neely, a member of the British Heart Foundation.
According to him, many studies show that replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat in the daily menu can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
However, other experts say that not all saturated fats are harmful. Some studies show that many dairy products such as cheese and yogurt may protect the body against cardiovascular disease.
In addition, some eating habit can cause high cholesterol in the blood.
According to Dr. Mellor, one of the main sources of saturated fat in the diet is baked goods, cakes, cookies. These foods contain both refined carbohydrates and flour, sugar, and salt.
Products that many consider healthy, such as protein bars (energy bars) can also cause cholesterol to rise.
“Energy-rich foods are high in sugar and fat and lack fiber, vitamins or minerals. You shouldn’t consume too much of them if you’re trying to stick to a healthy diet. Energy bars should be considered meals only. urgent,” said Dr. Mellor.
People who want to reduce cholesterol should also limit their intake of coconut oil, because they contain twice as much saturated fat as lard.
“It’s more harmful than any other saturated fat, so its use should be limited, used only as a flavoring, not as a primary source of energy,” says Dr. Mellor.
Studies show that overweight, stress May also promote blood cholesterol. Many scientists believe that when under stress, the body secretes certain hormones that can increase the amount of “bad” cholesterol.
Thuc Linh (Follow Telegraph)
at Blogtuan.info – Source: vnexpress.net – Read the original article here
