High cholesterol is often attributed to poor lifestyle choices. Many people suffering from this condition have poor eating habits and do not exercise at all. However, in rare cases, this condition has been known to be hereditary, meaning it is passed on from the parent to the offspring.
Additionally, there are other causes of excess levels of cholesterol in the blood. They include:
- Low uptake of foods that contain fiber
Foods that contain soluble fiber are known to reduce the amount of LDL in the blood. In simple terms, LDL is the bad type of cholesterol. It builds up as fatty deposits that form a plaque in your arteries. Once the arteries cannot transport blood as they should, you are immediately at risk of coronary heart disease.
- High uptake of foods that are rich in saturated fats
Baked foods and deep-fried products are very high in saturated fats and trans fats. Studies have shown these fats play a role in increasing the level of cholesterol in your body.
- Low intake of nutrients that have healthy fats
Healthy fats play a role in increasing your levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, otherwise known as ‘good’ cholesterol. It is instrumental in safeguarding our bodies against a heart attack or even a stroke.
Further, if you want to lead a life away from hospital beds and frequent doctor visits, nutrition is key. Thus, if you have been diagnosed with a case of high cholesterol, here is a list of foods you should avoid at all times:
- Fatty meat – as seen earlier, LDL is the bad form of cholesterol. Fatty pieces of meat will increase the level of LDL in the blood. It is best to stay far away from these foods.
- Processed foods like pastries and biscuits – once a product has been processed, the healthy element is taken away. Therefore, upon ingestion, the only benefit you will get is energy. Further, when these products are digested, they will add to LDL levels.
- Takeaway foods – pizzas and hamburgers are a favorite to many. That is because of their taste and the pleasure they bring. However, these foods are not good for your heart. They have saturated fats that, upon digestion, settle in your blood vessels, causing dangerous obstructions.
- Full-fat dairy products – as much as dairy products like milk are beneficial to your cholesterol levels, the by-products of milk are not so healthy. For instance, cheese, yogurt, and cream shouldn’t be part of a heart-healthy diet.
- Deep-fried products – all deep-fried foods are bad for your health. That is because trans-fats are their main constituents. They will only end up blocking your blood vessels.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages can also increase the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood. Limit the uptake for a healthier lifestyle.
- Alcohol – all types of liquor trigger a rise in the levels of LDL cholesterol.
After that intense segment, you must be wondering what foods you can eat to lower the cholesterol in your system. Well, here is a short guide:
- Legumes
- Nuts
- Whole grains
- Vegetable and fruits
- Oily fish
- Products made from soy
They are all instrumental in raising the levels of HDL cholesterol and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Conclusion
High LDL cholesterol levels in the blood do not have any immediate symptoms. This makes it an especially hazardous illness since a lot of damage can be done before the patient becomes aware of their condition. Regular visits to the physician will allow you to undergo blood screenings to ensure the levels are not toxic.
Additionally, taking any medication recommended by your doctor can prove useful because that will help you avoid a stroke, heart disease, and a heart attack.
Lastly, there are various treatment options for high cholesterol, so visit your physician for a prescription today.
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