Cholesterol is probably something you’re pretty familiar with; or, at least, you’ve heard the term before and you know that it’s not exactly a great thing! Indeed, cholesterol can be one of the most dangerous things around when it comes to the health of you and your family.
The problem is that a lot of people don’t really understand cholesterol all that much, which can make it more difficult to find the perfect healthy balance in your lifestyle. So let’s take a quick look at the issue of cholesterol and what you can do to keep your family healthy!
Good cholesterol versus bad cholesterol
Wait… there’s good cholesterol? There is indeed. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL cholesterol (this is the bad one) and HDL cholesterol (this is the good one). LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, and LDL cholesterol is generally what people refer to when they use the word ‘cholesterol’. Having a high LDL cholesterol level puts you at a greater risk for coronary heart disease and stroke. The goal isn’t so much to reduce cholesterol intake as it is to control your cholesterol levels; keep LDL levels down and HDL levels up. HDL cholesterol is the stuff that helps get the LDL cholesterol out of your bloodstream. It seems confusing at first, but once you understand the difference it will be much easier to pick healthier foods for your and your family!
Genetics isn’t a good excuse
Just because your parents have high cholesterol, it doesn’t necessarily mean you will. Only an estimated one in 500 people have a genetic condition which causes high cholesterol. This condition is called Hypercholesterolemia, and it usually presents itself early in life. Approximately one third of the U.S. adult population has or is being treated for high cholesterol. That means most people can stop using genetics as a scapegoat for this condition!
Check those nutrition labels
Examine nutrition labels. It is simply not enough that a food is “cholesterol free.” Saturated and trans fats are culprits in increasing LDL levels. A lot of meat increases your LDL cholesterol levels, as do many dairy foods. It is also important to boost your intake of high-fiber foods, Omega-3 fatty acids, and mono/polyunsaturated fats. Several varieties of fish and nuts are excellent options.
Keep on moving
Diet and exercise – who would have thought? If you do not have Hypercholesterolemia, do not smoke, and eat a heart-healthy diet, then your high levels of cholesterol can be blamed on a sedentary lifestyle. You should visit Defend Your Healthcare for more information about the importance of finding a good exercise routine, as well as finding the right diet to go with that routine. Remember not to focus on your own exercise routine only - everyone in your family should be getting more active!
Medication and other medical help
Medication could save your life. Amazing pharmaceutical advances have been made to help control cholesterol. The health risks associated with high cholesterol warrant the consideration of using medication, at least until the problem is well in hand.
High cholesterol is a world-wide problem, but it is usually preventable. Take action today!
Disclosure: This is a contributed post.
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