Introduction
High cholesterol is a major health concern for many people, and it can lead to serious health problems if left unchecked. The Mayo Clinic has released a list of foods to avoid if you want to keep your cholesterol levels in check. Eating the wrong foods can raise your cholesterol levels, so it’s important to know what to avoid. In this article, we’ll look at the foods that the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding if you want to keep your cholesterol levels in check. We’ll also look at some healthier alternatives that you can eat instead. By making the right food choices, you can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.
Stop Doing This Or You’ll Get High Cholesterol, Says Mayo Clinic — Eat This Not That
High cholesterol is a serious health concern that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious medical conditions. The Mayo Clinic recommends that people take steps to reduce their cholesterol levels, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. But what should you avoid eating if you want to keep your cholesterol levels in check?
The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding foods that are high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol. These include fatty cuts of meat, full-fat dairy products, and processed foods. Instead, opt for lean proteins, such as fish, skinless poultry, and beans. Choose low-fat dairy products, and opt for whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, limit your intake of processed foods, such as chips, cookies, and other snacks.
In addition to avoiding unhealthy foods, the Mayo Clinic recommends limiting your intake of alcohol and quitting smoking. Both of these habits can increase your risk of high cholesterol. If you need help quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about available resources.
High cholesterol can be managed with lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication. Talk to your doctor about your cholesterol levels and what steps you can take to reduce them. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help you keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Since high cholesterol has no symptoms, you may be putting yourself at risk without even realizing it. “Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Factors that can increase your risk of bad cholesterol include” the following. Read on for what the Clinic says—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
“Eating saturated fat, found in animal products, and trans fats, found in some commercially baked cookies and crackers and microwave popcorn, can raise your cholesterol level,” says the Mayo Clinic. “Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, will also increase your cholesterol.”
RELATED: Sure Signs You’re Lacking Vitamin D, Say Experts
“Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts you at risk of high cholesterol,” says the Mayo Clinic.
RELATED: 5 Signs You’re Losing Your Memory, Say Experts
“Exercise helps boost your body’s HDL, or ‘good,’ cholesterol while increasing the size of the particles that make up your LDL, or ‘bad,’ cholesterol, which makes it less harmful,” says the Mayo Clinic.
RELATED: Over 40? How to Look Younger Forever, Say Experts
“Cigarette smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, making them more prone to accumulate fatty deposits. Smoking might also lower your level of HDL, or ‘good,’ cholesterol,” says the Mayo Clinic.
RELATED: Virus Expert Just Predicted When Pandemic Will End
“Because your body’s chemistry changes as you age, your risk of high cholesterol climbs. For instance, as you age, your liver becomes less able to remove LDL cholesterol,” says the Mayo Clinic.
RELATED: Virus Expert Warns These 19 States Will Have Next Surge
“High blood sugar contributes to higher levels of a dangerous cholesterol called very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lower HDL cholesterol. High blood sugar also damages the lining of your arteries,” says the Mayo Clinic.
“The same heart-healthy lifestyle changes that can lower your cholesterol can help prevent you from having high cholesterol in the first place,” says the Mayo Clinic. “To help prevent high cholesterol, you can:
- Eat a low-salt diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Limit the amount of animal fats and use good fats in moderation
- Lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Exercise on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes
- Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
- Manage stress”
And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don’t miss these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.