What is Cholesterol? Dietary Recommendations for High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is carried in the bloodstream to reach the cells and is produced by the body, but it is also taken in from certain foods.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the body. Physiologically, it is essential for various functions in the body, such as cell membranes, hormone production and bile acids in digestion. Cholesterol is produced by the body and can also be obtained from animal foods.

Cholesterol is generally classified into two main types, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein). LDL is known as the "bad" cholesterol because it can stick to the vessel walls and contribute to plaque formation, which can lead to narrowing of the arteries and heart disease. HDL is known as "good" cholesterol because it picks up excess cholesterol in the bloodstream and carries it to the liver, where it helps remove it from the body.

An unbalanced cholesterol level can increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, treatment approaches based on a balanced diet, an active lifestyle and medication when needed often play an important role in keeping cholesterol levels under control.

What Does High Cholesterol Mean?

High cholesterol levels usually indicate that lipid (fat) metabolism is out of balance in the body. This is particularly associated with high levels of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can stick to the vessel walls, causing plaque to form and leading to narrowing or even blockage of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, high cholesterol levels can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries and hardening of blood vessels (atherosclerosis), which can restrict blood flow and cause serious cardiovascular problems. High cholesterol levels can therefore increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions, and are therefore a health consideration.

What Foods Raise Cholesterol?

Here are some foods that raise cholesterol levels:

1. Saturated fats: Saturated fats such as red meat, full-fat dairy products (for example, cheese and butter), frying oils and margarine can increase cholesterol levels.

2. Trans fats: Trans fats, also known as hydrogenated oils, can be found especially in processed foods (e.g. ready-to-eat snacks, fast food, frozen pastries) and can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol.

3. Internal organs: Animal viscera such as liver, kidney and brain are high in cholesterol and saturated fats and can increase cholesterol levels.

4. Seafood high in cholesterol: Seafood, especially shrimp, crab and mussels, can be rich in cholesterol.

5. Egg yolks: Egg yolks have a high cholesterol content. Many nutritionists recommend limiting consumption to a few eggs a day.

Overconsuming these foods or eating an unbalanced diet can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Following a healthy diet and limiting saturated fats, trans fats and foods high in cholesterol are important to keep cholesterol levels under control.

What should people with high cholesterol levels pay attention to?

People with high cholesterol levels should take some precautions to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. First of all, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In this context, it is important to adopt a balanced and healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity and not smoke. When adjusting eating habits, it is important to limit foods high in saturated fat and trans fats and avoid processed and fast foods. Instead, it is better to opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats (e.g. olive oil) and fish. It is also important to regularly take medication prescribed by a doctor to keep cholesterol levels under control and to regularly check cholesterol levels. People with other health conditions, especially diabetes or high blood pressure, should also pay special attention to the treatment and control of these conditions. Finally, regularly monitoring your health status and following your doctor's recommendations is an important step in keeping cholesterol levels under control.

Dietary Recommendations for High Cholesterol

For people with high cholesterol, nutrition should be tailored to help lower cholesterol levels. Here are dietary recommendations for high cholesterol:

1. Limit saturated fats and trans fats: Saturated fats and trans fats can increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is important to limit trans fats in red meat, full-fat dairy products, butter, margarine and processed foods.

2. Opt for healthy fats: Unsaturated fats can increase HDL (good) cholesterol and reduce LDL cholesterol. It is important to choose foods that contain healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados, fish, nuts, seeds and oily fish.

3. Consume omega-3 fatty acids: Fish, especially oily fish such as salmon, sardines and herring, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health.

4. Eat high-fiber foods: Fibrous foods regulate digestion and increase feelings of fullness. Eating high-fiber foods such as oatmeal, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts can help control cholesterol levels.

5. Eat enough fruits and vegetables: Colorful fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants and fiber and can help lower cholesterol levels. Try to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.

6. Choose low-cholesterol foods: It is important to choose low-cholesterol foods such as egg whites, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, lean chicken and turkey meat.

7. Limit sugar and refined carbohydrates: Refined carbohydrates and foods containing sugar can increase insulin resistance and negatively affect cholesterol levels. Instead, opt for whole grains and complex carbohydrates.

Following these dietary recommendations for high cholesterol can help keep cholesterol levels under control and maintain cardiovascular health. However, it is important to talk to a health professional before making any dietary changes.