Foods That Cause High Cholesterol

Foods That Cause High Cholesterol

The much maligned substance known as cholesterol is actually a vital part of a normally functioning body. Not only does cholesterol give strength and stability to the cells in our bodies but it can increase the amount of vitamin D, it helps serotonin receptors to function and acts as a transport for antioxidants like vitamins E and A. However you rarely hear about this. More than likely you hear about cholesterol because too much is bad for your health. Specifically, too much can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. As you get older you might be advised by your doctor to make lifestyle changes that lower cholesterol. One such way is to reduce your intake of foods that are high in cholesterol. This article will discuss foods that cause high cholesterol and ways to replace such foods.

There are two categories of food that need to be considered when thinking about cholesterol. There are animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy goods. These types of products have cholesterol from the animals that produced the foods. The second category are foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats. These are normally processed foods that are cooked in oil or use trans fats as a flavor enhancer or preservative. In some cases, like a pre-cooked meat pie, the food may fit into both categories.

It has to be remembered that unless you are a vegan, it will be probably impossible to avoid eating food with cholesterol in it. The important thing is to eat it in moderation and exercise adequately. You can also follow some simple tips like drinking reduced fat milk. Or eating margarines with plant sterols in rather than butter. Also trim skin and fat off meat products and try grilling them rather than frying them. Only eat the whites of the eggs and leave thew yolk.

In terms of saturated and trans fats, look carefully at the processed foods you eat. Things like potato chips are high in saturated fats. Cakes and biscuits often utilize trans fats for flavor and as a preservative. Deep fried foods such as French fries should be eaten in moderation. Check the food labels on the packets. If there is a lot of saturated and trans fats then look for an alternative or avoid that type of product all together.

Another aspect of the cholesterol debate, is the eating of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates give us energy however if we don't use this energy each day, it is generally converted into fat. This can be converted to cholesterol. Thus, eating less carbohydrates and taking on regular exercise are also equally important as avoiding or moderating the intake of high cholesterol food.

It is a simple formula. Avoid fatty foods and try to eat fresh. Consume the right amount of carbohydrates for the level of activity you will be exerting and try to get regular exercise if your job is a low impact, physically undemanding role.