Introduction: Cholesterol includes high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). LDL-C, or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, is considered “bad” cholesterol, and its elevation is a major risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is responsible for transporting cholesterol from the liver to plaques in the arteries, increasing the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, on the other hand, is the “good” cholesterol; it is the densest and smallest lipoprotein in the blood. HDL cholesterol is responsible for reversing the flow of cholesterol from plaques back to the liver for breakdown and metabolism, a process known as cholesterol reversal transport. This reduces cholesterol deposition on the blood vessel walls and plays a role in preventing atherosclerosis. Patients with hypercholesterolemia often have elevated total cholesterol levels and elevated levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, while their levels of “good” HDL cholesterol are low. Therefore, the first-line clinical treatment for hypercholesterolemia is usually statins, which lower cholesterol levels. Controlling LDL cholesterol to target levels can prevent the occurrence and development of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular atherosclerotic diseases.
The main danger of hypercholesterolemia is that it can cause atherosclerotic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. This is caused by the formation of plaques in the arteries, which gradually thicken and become unstable, leading to narrowing and eventually blockage of the arteries. This can result in diseases such as angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular diseases, cerebral infarction, lower extremity arterial stenosis and occlusion, etc.
let’s talk about those hidden culprits that quietly raise cholesterol levels, and how to avoid them. Think you’re safe just because you’ve avoided fatty foods? Perhaps the first food on that list is far more common than you think.
Diet:
Fatty meat , a familiar food to many , is actually not the number one cause of high cholesterol in modern people. Authoritative epidemiological data shows that the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among urban and rural residents in China has reached 18.6% , and there is a trend towards younger onset in recent years. In many cases, while people control their pork intake, they overlook the more common “hidden fat bombs.”
What is the number one source of high cholesterol ? Most people would be surprised to learn the answer— processed foods containing large amounts of trans fatty acids and animal butter, such as pastries, cookies, bread, and mayonnaise, are the biggest culprit!
Significantly elevated LDL (bad cholesterol), 12-20% higher than the control group , significantly increases the risk of myocardial infarction; decreased HDL (good cholesterol) weakens the cardiovascular protective effect and may cause abnormalities in bone circulation.
Effect:
Some people may also develop fatty liver and insulin resistance , thus joining the ranks of those with high cholesterol. Insulin sensitivity may decrease by more than 10%, especially in people with a family history of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, where the impact will be even greater.
High cholesterol can slow blood flow, cause atherosclerosis, and lead to abnormal liver fat metabolism, resulting in fatty liver . In severe cases, it can also cause coronary heart disease , myocardial infarction, and even threaten life. Therefore, the harm of high cholesterol is very great, and timely treatment measures must be taken to avoid adverse effects.
People with high cholesterol should adjust their eating habits, eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, reduce their intake of fat and calories, exercise appropriately, and avoid excessive obesity.
Adding high-fiber fruits, vegetables, nuts, and beans to your daily meals can help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. Scientific data shows that long-term consumption of soy products can lower blood cholesterol levels by 8-15%.
Doing moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking or cycling) for 120 minutes a week can be very helpful.
Tips: Be mindful of your diet; don’t believe in the myths that “a vegetarian diet is the cure-all” or “only by giving up meat can you be healthy.” Focus on guarding against “traps in everyday processed foods.”
If you’ve read the above and find that your breakfast, snacks, and late-night meals almost all fall into these categories, then this is a sign of uncontrolled blood lipids. Often, the “hidden processed foods” we eat every day are more alarming than the excessive amounts of fatty meat we traditionally associate with them.
Weight loss and cholesterol control are actually hidden in the seemingly insignificant details of your three meals. Don’t just “focus” on a piece of fatty meat, and don’t blindly believe in food blacklists on the internet. Adjust your daily habits in a down-to-earth way, and your body will be more effective.
If you want to lower your cholesterol and protect your heart and blood vessels scientifically, why not take a look at your snack cabinet, refrigerator, and breakfast storage box today and make some small changes? Many pleasant surprises will gradually appear on your medical checkup reports.