Random Thoughts

I would say hello weekend now and hello food trip, but before you go on with that, here are 10 facts that we need to know about cholesterol. For your good health, read on...

10 Surprising Cholesterol Facts You May Not Know By Leyla Shamayeva

Cholesterol is an animal product – This means that it is not found in plant foods. Rather, animal products like meat and dairy have the highest dietary cholesterol density.

Cholesterol is richest in egg yolks – One large egg contains 187 mg of cholesterol, about 62% of your daily-recommended intake. Per 100 grams of food, next highest are chicken liver, fish, shellfish, seafood (like shrimp), processed meats, and cheese.

Be mindful that the ingredients used to make ice cream, burgers, baked goods, mac and cheese, and even some beverages cause these foods to be high in cholesterol, too.

Cholesterol rich foods aren’t “bad” – Although it would make sense to completely omit these cholesterol-rich foods from your diet, the truth is that you don’t have to! Moderation is key. Foods like eggs can be part of a heart-healthy diet if you are mindful of your portions and have a diet consisting of mainly healthy foods.

Cholesterol packaging can be misleading – A cholesterol free-food may still have saturated and trans fats, which play a larger role in affecting blood cholesterol levels. Make sure to read the entire nutrition label and don’t trust manufacturers claims for “cholesterol-free” foods!

Cholesterol isn’t the only "bad guy" - According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol is not the only nutrient that contributes to high blood cholesterol and heart disease. Make sure to be mindful of your saturated fat and trans fat intake. In fact, these play the larger role in increasing blood cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol has a limit – An upper limit, that is. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 300 mg of cholesterol a day, and no more than 200 mg if you have heart disease or high cholesterol levels. On the other end of the spectrum, there is no lower limit. In most cases, your liver makes enough of it to cover your needs, but...

Cholesterol levels can be low, too– While this fact is still being researched, most experts agree that levels below 160 mg/dL create health risks.

Cholesterol is influenced by your weight – Losing just 5% of your body weight can improve your blood cholesterol levels. Really, it’s not just the weight loss that plays a role –the diet and exercise (like yoga!) efforts are likely the bigger contributors.

Luckily, you can influence good and bad cholesterol levels separately. Olive oil, for example, helps lower overall cholesterol levels without hurting the good HDL levels. A diet full of saturated fats increases bad LDL levels and decreases good HDL ones.

Cholesterol can be seen – Weight isn’t always an indicator of high cholesterol, but red and yellow bumps called xanthomas may be. These bumps can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common in elders, those with genetically high cholesterol levels, and those with additional health problems.

Cholesterol is a good guy – Despite the bad rep, your body actually needs cholesterol, which you liver produces. Among many functions, cholesterol contributes to cell structure and proper brain function.

SOURCE.