Orlando, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — September is Cholesterol Awareness Month. Cholesterol, it’s a waxy, fat-like substance your body needs to function. But too much of it can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. Nearly 40 percent of Americans have high cholesterol and many have no idea. There’s also a lot of misinformation circulating.
Do you know your cholesterol? Less than 200, you’re doing ok. But knowing your number is only half the battle. Many common beliefs are just plain wrong!
“Cholesterol is actually not a bad thing. Your body needs cholesterol,” said Megan Ware, Registered Dietitian.
One big myth? That foods containing cholesterol, like eggs or meat, automatically raise your cholesterol. But that’s not what really spikes your levels.
“So, when eggs get a bad reputation because they were high in cholesterol, it’s not the egg itself that’s high in cholesterol that’s making our cholesterol go up. It’s what we’re eating the egg with,” explained Ware.
It’s actually the combination of saturated fats and sugar, like eggs with pancakes and syrup, that can do damage. Also, some believe switching from butter to margarine lowers cholesterol.
But many hard margarines also contain unhealthy fats. Also, it’s a myth that cholesterol is only found in meats.
“Things like pastries, any kind of packaged dessert, those are really going to increase your cholesterol because of the types of fat,” said Ware.
And it’s not just about food. Genetics, lifestyle, and even certain medical conditions all play a role in your cholesterol numbers. Small steps like exercising and eating more fiber can make a big difference.
“Things like beans, quinoa, oats, apples, berries, all of those high fiber foods help to buffer that cholesterol in the body and bring the cholesterol levels down,” explained Ware.
Wondering how high is high cholesterol? An LDL range of 100 to 129 is considered good for your heart. A simple blood test can tell you your cholesterol levels.
Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Bob Walko, Editor.
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