In recent years, high blood lipids have gained increasing public attention as an “invisible killer.” Although high blood lipids do not show obvious symptoms, they can silently “clog” blood vessels, directly leading to various diseases that harm human health.
Rumors about dietary taboos for high blood lipids are rampant online, especially the ongoing debate over whether sweet potatoes are a “death knell” for high blood lipids. So, are sweet potatoes truly a “death knell” for high blood lipids? What should patients with high blood lipids pay attention to in their diet?
Are sweet potatoes a “death knell” for high blood lipids?
The claim circulating online that sweet potatoes are a “death knell” for high blood lipids is overly one-sided. Although sweet potatoes contain some sugar, excessive consumption may affect blood sugar levels, their rich dietary fiber plays a positive role in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Therefore, categorically labeling sweet potatoes as a taboo for high blood lipids is not scientific. For patients with high blood lipids, consuming sweet potatoes in moderation, combined with other healthy ingredients, is a wise choice.
However, it should be noted that not everyone is suited to eat sweet potatoes; for instance, those with excessive stomach acid may find that consuming sweet potatoes stimulates acid production, which could worsen their condition.
Three types of food that patients with high blood lipids need to be vigilant about
01 High cholesterol foods
Such as animal organs, which contain high levels of cholesterol, and excessive intake of cholesterol can increase low-density lipoprotein levels in the blood, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
02 Foods high in saturated fats
Such as fatty pork and full-fat dairy products; excessive intake of saturated fats poses a threat to cardiovascular health, while healthier options like olive oil and fish should be consumed more.
03 High sugar foods
Such as sugary beverages and added sugars in processed foods. Excessive consumption of sugary foods can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and may lead to insulin resistance over time, affecting the normal metabolism of lipids.
Early warning signs of high blood lipids
High blood lipids often silently erode people’s health, but the body will always send out some distress signals. If any of the following five situations occur, one should be vigilant about the possibility of high blood lipids:
01 Yellow nodules under the skin
Check areas like the heels, eyelids, and elbows for yellow nodules the size of a grain of rice; these nodules are external manifestations of abnormal blood lipids.
02 Numbness in the lower limbs and abnormal gait
Elevated blood lipids may lead to vascular hardening in the lower limbs, affecting blood flow, resulting in numbness and gait abnormalities.
03 Gray-white rings around the eyes
Check if there are gray-white circular or semi-circular rings at the edges of the black pupils; this is caused by lipid deposits at the corneal edges.
04 Dizziness and drowsiness
Hyperlipidemia may lead to vascular hardening and reduced blood flow, affecting oxygen supply to the brain, causing dizziness and drowsiness.
05 Enlarged eye bags
The enlargement of eye bags may indicate a disorder in fat metabolism, closely related to elevated lipid levels.
