High cholesterol: the 4 most harmful foods and what to eat to replace them

Lack of medical checkups can cause adverse health effects, therefore uncovering levels of high cholesterol increase the risk of suffering heart disease and brain damage.

It is true that medicines can help, but prevention is always better. Hence the importance of wearing a style healthy eating to avoid conditions

Health professionals explain that optimal cholesterol levels vary from person to person, so the importance of consulting a doctor before anything else.

Difference between good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL)

The good cholesterol (HDL) and bad cholesterol (LDL) they are lipoproteins, that is, a combination of fats (lipids) and proteins, he defines MedlinePlus. And it specifies that lipids must be attached to proteins to move in the blood.

And precisely the different types of lipoproteins have different purposes, which are determined below:

• HDL extension stands for high density lipoprotein in English. It’s called “good” cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of the body to the liver, where it’s then removed from the body.

• LDL extension targets low-density lipoproteins. And it’s referred to as “bad” since at high levels it causes a buildup of plaque in the arteries, thus blocking blood flow to the brain.

In that sense, the cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas, formed in Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkinsreflects his experience treating patients with high cholesterol in both books and published articles.

Thus, the doctor who also served as founding editor-in-chief of Cardiosmart.orgit also places emphasis on food.

and stands out what are the 4 worst foods for high cholesteroland the most suitable option to replace them in a column of the site by CNBC.

1. Red meat

From burgers to steaks to pork ribs, red meat is always the focus of attention when it comes to health.

It is possible not to remove them completely, but they recommend small amounts of lean meat and no more than once a week.

Avoiding red meat doesn’t necessarily mean consuming a lot of chicken, as it contains saturated fat.

Dr. Klodas points out that frying foods increases calorie counts because the saturated or trans fats and cholesterol are absorbed from food in the process.

WHAT TO EAT AS AN OPTION
Fish and shellfish. The shrimp will provide plenty of protein and won’t affect your blood cholesterol.

2. French fries

Dr. Klodas points out that frying foods increases calorie counts because the saturated or trans fats and cholesterol are absorbed from food in the process.

HOME ALTERNATIVE. Bake potatoes or broccoli until crispy if your palate calls for this kind of crunch. It’s also a potable alternative to using an air fryer, which uses much less fat.

3. Processed meat

As the cardiologist reflects on the site, the World Health Organization processed meats classified sausage, salami and bacon as carcinogens. Plus, its high sodium and saturated fat content isn’t good for anything, either.

ADVICE IN THIS CASE. The doctor directly recommends reducing the consumption of these products and limiting them to occasional occasions. Similar options? Not that they’re healthy.

4. Baked goods

As tempting as they are tasty, mass-produced sweets and biscuits often have it high calories, low nutrients and large amounts of fat (especially saturated) and sugar. A real time bomb for cases of high cholesterol.

OPTIONS. In this case, the best alternative is to cook in your home oven, so you can control the amount and type of fat or oil used.