These are the 4 worst foods for your cholesterol

Across the United States, high cholesterol has become a widespread public health concern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately two in five American adults suffer from this condition, which puts them at higher risk for strokes and heart attacks, events that can have devastating consequences.

Cholesterol, a waxy substance that circulates in the blood, is essential for vital bodily functions such as cell development and hormone production. However, when blood cholesterol levels are too high, they can lead to serious problems.

Dr. Eleonora Avenatti, a preventive cardiologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, explains that excess cholesterol is the main factor in the formation of atherosclerosis, a process that leads to plaque buildup in the arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of catastrophic cardiovascular events.

Measuring cholesterol through a blood test is crucial to detecting and addressing this problem. If high cholesterol levels are found, Medications may be prescribed or lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, may be recommended. In particular, diet plays a key role in cholesterol control, and certain foods can significantly affect cholesterol levels in the body.

Dairy Januarys

One of the main food groups to avoid is full-fat dairy, which is high in saturated fat. Beth Auguste, a registered dietitian in Philadelphia, warns that These saturated fats can make it difficult to remove bad cholesterol from the body, which can aggravate the problem of high cholesterol. It is recommended to opt for low-fat dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, which provide essential nutrients for heart health without the associated risks of saturated fat.

red meat

Another food group to consider is red meat, which is known for its high saturated fat content. While it is not necessary to completely eliminate red meat from your diet, it is recommended to limit its consumption and opt for lean sources of protein, such as skinless poultry, fish, legumes and tofu.

Foods that are highly processed

Additionally, you should be careful with highly processed foods, such as smoked sausages and fried potatoes, which often contain unhealthy fats, salt and low levels of fiber, vitamins and minerals. These foods not only contribute to the problem of high cholesterol, but also increase the overall risk of heart disease.

Frying

Frying is another culinary practice that should be avoided, as fried foods can contain trans fats, which are especially harmful to cardiovascular health. Fried chicken, donuts, French fries, and other fried foods should be consumed in moderation. or avoided completely to reduce the risk of complications related to high cholesterol.

High cholesterol is a serious problem that affects millions of people in the United States and carries serious health risks. However, through diet and lifestyle changes, it is possible to control and reduce cholesterol levels, which can help prevent cardiovascular disease and improve quality of life in the long term.

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