Vigorbuddy.com | The Most Common Cholesterol Myths Debunked | There’s a negative notion that all cholesterol is bad, but that’s not an accurate fact. Although you should play your part in watching your cholesterol levels, your body actually needs cholesterol to be fully functioning. This misconception is similar to the assumption that all carbohydrates are bad, without taking into consideration that the body needs them for energy.
This is why it’s crucial to determine the science behind cholesterol facts before jumping to any negative conclusions, which can easily be myths. In the following, we’ll be discussing the most common cholesterol myths and the truths behind them.
How Does Cholesterol Affect Your Health?
According to the American Heart Association, cholesterol isn’t necessarily bad as it helps your body build cells and vitamins, along with other hormones. However, just like anything else, moderation is key. This makes high cholesterol levels detrimental to your health. As the amount of cholesterol in your blood rises, the potential damage to your health also increases.
Cholesterol comes from two sources, mainly your liver and the food you consume. Between both of these, it’s your food intake you need to be cautious about. High cholesterol is what causes serious health risks like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart attack.
Based on statistics, at least 55% of adults in the United States are currently taking medication to help with their cholesterol levels. Besides adults, at least 7% of children and adolescents between ages 6 and 19 have high cholesterol, too. It’s a common health issue all over the globe, regardless of age.
Popular Myths about Cholesterol Debunked
Myth #1: All types of cholesterol are bad
There are two types of cholesterol, which are High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). Between the two, HDL is considered good cholesterol. If your body has too much LDL and not enough HDL, cholesterol will gradually build around the inner walls of your arteries, which are responsible for both your heart and brain functions.
Not all types of cholesterol are bad, and it’s also not required to avoid every food that contains cholesterol. Rather, moderation is key, making a well-balanced diet a must in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
Myth #2: Medicine is the only way to lower cholesterol
Taking medicine is necessary for individuals who have high cholesterol. However, for those with more manageable cholesterol levels, regular exercise, a balanced diet, and lifestyle changes are great ways to remain healthy. Your doctor or physician may only recommend medicine as a preventive measure if your cholesterol reaches extremely high levels.
There are so many foods that are known for lowering cholesterol, so making significant changes to your diet can benefit your health to a great degree. This is why getting cholesterol levels checked at an early age is so crucial—that is, to avoid relying on medication when your cholesterol levels can no longer be reduced.
Myth #3: Eating eggs can cause high cholesterol
This may be one of the most common things you hear about eggs—that they can contain a lot of cholesterol. However, the cholesterol in eggs is not responsible for increased levels, at least not in the way that saturated fats do.
A study was conducted on an 88-year-old man who consumed 25 eggs in a day, and he still had regular cholesterol levels afterward. With this being said, it’s perfectly fine for healthy people to consume up to 3 eggs per day.
Myth #4: Unhealthy eating habits are the primary cause for high cholesterol levels
High cholesterol levels can also be hereditary. If a close relative or family member has high cholesterol levels, you’re likely going to have the same condition. Diet may play a significant role in your cholesterol levels, but it’s not the only factor you should consider.
Myth #5: Low cholesterol is always good
Having a low amount of LDL cholesterol is supposed to be beneficial, but this isn’t always the case. Research shows individuals who have cancer also have low LDL levels before diagnosis. Having low cholesterol may also make you more prone to several illnesses, including hemorrhagic stroke and low birth weight in children. It’s also possible for people with low cholesterol to experience anxiety or depression.
Concluding Highlights
Watching your cholesterol levels at an early age can help you prevent serious diseases. In addition, any guide to heart disease will always advise you to make significant lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of having high cholesterol.
Being aware of the myths behind cholesterol can help you take better care of your health and wellbeing. Having a high cholesterol level doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do, as there are several preventive measures you can take advantage of to help improve your health status. High cholesterol levels are one of the most common causes of serious diseases in the world, which is why you must never take it for granted.