With the improvement of living standards, high blood lipid levels have gradually become a major hidden health hazard affecting people. High blood lipids not only easily lead to cardiovascular diseases but can also trigger a series of health issues. There is a popular belief that high blood lipid patients should consume fewer red dates because red dates can make the blood viscous.
So, is this belief scientific? How should high blood lipid patients eat properly? Today, we have invited a professional doctor to answer these questions for everyone and introduce three types of food that high blood lipid patients should avoid.
What are the standard levels for high blood lipids?
Triglyceride levels: Generally considered to be diagnosed as hyperlipidemia when above 5mmol/L. If there are other diseases such as arteriosclerosis or other risks, this level might exceed 2.3mmol/L, diagnosing hyperlipidemia.
Cholesterol levels: Varies from person to person, observing the presence of plaques, coronary heart disease, cerebral vascular disease, etc. Cholesterol levels above 5mmol/L generally indicate an increasing trend.
Low-density lipoprotein: Test results from various hospitals usually indicate a normal range, for example, some hospitals’ upper limit is 3.1-3.2mmol/L.
High blood lipids are associated with leg issues? If these five signs are absent, it indicates smooth blood vessels.
1. Leg edema.
High blood lipids can cause poor blood circulation leading to lower limb edema. When there is an excess of lipids in the blood, they can seep into the interstitial space, increasing tissue fluid and causing edema.
If you notice unexplained leg edema, especially worsening after long periods of standing or walking, it is advisable to promptly consult a doctor to check blood lipid levels.
2. Localized pain.
Feeling a special pain in the legs, especially while walking or moving, is a signal of high blood lipids. When the body is active, blood circulation speeds up, allowing timely transport of blood.
However, in the case of hyperlipidemia, normal blood circulation cannot be maintained through the development process, and local ischemia accompanied by oxygen deficiency will send out pain signals, with severe ischemia causing increased pain.
3. Abnormal leg skin.
When high blood lipids cause hardening or blockage of the arteries in the feet, the skin on the legs becomes taut, dull, and toenails become thick, growing slowly, and foot hair gradually falls off.
4. Calf cramps.
There are many reasons for this condition, some due to calcium deficiency, while another is due to calf cramps caused by vascular obstruction.
If there is no calcium deficiency but calf cramps occur frequently, it should be taken seriously as it may be due to vascular obstruction.
5. Changes in toenails.
When toenails suddenly thicken, grow slowly, and when there is obvious hair loss on the legs, it mostly indicates elevated blood lipids. Paying attention at this point is crucial as it’s not a normal physiological phenomenon but a distress signal from the body.
High blood lipids mean avoiding red dates, the more consumed, the more viscous the blood?
Consuming red dates does not thicken blood lipids. In fact, red dates help lower blood lipids and cholesterol levels.
Red dates are a nutrient-rich fruit containing plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The dietary fiber in red dates helps remove excess cholesterol from the body, thereby lowering blood lipid and cholesterol levels.
Moreover, red dates are rich in various antioxidants that protect heart health, reducing the risk of arteriosclerosis.
Therefore, moderate consumption of red dates is beneficial for the body, without causing blood lipids to thicken. However, for individuals with high blood lipids and related conditions, it is recommended to eat red dates in moderation under medical guidance and follow dietary recommendations.
Doctor: 3 types of food to avoid for high blood lipids.
1. Pig’s trotters.
Pig’s trotters are rich in nutrients, especially collagen, which can improve skin texture. However, pig’s trotters have high cholesterol content.
Eating around 200g of pig’s trotters at once contains far more cholesterol than the daily recommended intake, which is not suitable for individuals with high blood lipids, weakened digestive function in the elderly, and patients with arteriosclerosis and hypertension, not advisable to eat excessively.
2. High-sugar foods.
Sweets have always been popular, especially among female friends. Completely quitting sugar requires great determination and long-term perseverance, which many people cannot achieve. Sweets can stimulate dopamine secretion and improve mood, with the sugar converting into fat in the body, accumulating in blood vessels, increasing blood viscosity, adding impurities to the blood, damaging blood vessels, and raising blood lipids.
3. Oats.
Oats are common in daily life and are considered by many to be a top-notch lipid-lowering food, but the reality may be the opposite. Improper consumption of oats can actually elevate blood lipids.
Oats contain rich soluble fats that can effectively eliminate cholesterol in blood vessels. However, if consumed with high-fat milk, it could have the opposite effect, increasing the risk of elevated blood lipids and compromising health.
What to do with high blood lipids? Here are 3 tips to gradually lower blood lipids.
1. Drink more water daily.
Maintaining adequate hydration is essential. Herbs can be added to water for consumption.
Chinese medicine suggests, “treat symptoms when urgent, and treat the root when slow.” In daily life, dealing with hypertension and vascular “waste” can be done by drinking teas that promote blood circulation, combining with measures such as emotional regulation, dietary control, balancing work and rest, cautious daily routines to address the root cause.
2. Exercise appropriately.
Exercise aids in controlling blood lipids by accelerating metabolism, promoting blood circulation, burning excess fat, and is recommended to engage in aerobic exercises like tai chi, running, jump rope, among others. However, it is essential not to overdo exercise as it can harm the body.
3. Manage diet sensibly.
Diet control is key to improving high blood lipids; many individuals experience elevated blood lipid levels due to incorrect dietary choices, excess sugar, fat, cholesterol, etc., leading to an increase in blood lipid levels. Supplementing with vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids can increase vascular elasticity, prevent threats to health from high blood lipid levels.
Red dates, as a nutrient-rich food, when consumed in moderation, do not lead to high blood lipids or blood viscosity. The key lies in overall dietary habits and proper food combinations. By controlling sugar intake, increasing fiber intake, and selecting healthy fats, high blood lipid risks can be effectively managed and reduced.
Scientific research and experimental data indicate that diet structure significantly impacts blood lipid levels. Adjusting dietary habits, proper food combinations are crucial in preventing and managing high blood lipids.
