Introduction: With the rapid development of the national economy and the continuous improvement of living standards, people’s dietary habits have undergone drastic changes compared to the past. In the past, people worried about basic needs, but today, modern people are immersed in endless pursuit and enjoyment of gourmet food.
In modern society, the diverse variety of food and continuous culinary innovations allow people to easily taste various delicacies.
However, this excessive pursuit of taste and satisfying the palate has put a heavy burden on the body. Long-term consumption of high-calorie, high-fat, high-sugar foods not only leads to obesity but also increases the risk of vascular diseases.
Among them, high blood lipids, as an important type of vascular disease, cannot be ignored. High blood lipids refer to the excessive content of lipid substances (such as cholesterol, triglycerides, etc.) in the blood, and these excess lipids can deposit on the blood vessel walls, forming plaques, leading to narrowing and blockages in the vessels, thereby triggering a series of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke, etc.
China has now become a country with high incidence of the “three highs” (hypertension, high blood sugar, and high blood lipids), among which the number of people with high blood lipids is astonishing. According to statistics, the number of people in China with high blood lipids may have reached 400 million, and this number is still increasing.
More alarmingly, the trend of younger people having high blood lipids is becoming increasingly apparent, as many young people have joined the ranks of high blood lipid patients due to unhealthy dietary habits and lifestyles. Some young people are even troubled by high blood lipids in their twenties.
Relationship Between High Blood Lipids and High Cholesterol
The relationship between high blood lipids and high cholesterol is like closely connected brothers, with intricate connections between them. High blood lipids, which refer to excessive lipid content in the blood, and high cholesterol are manifestations of abnormal blood lipids.
Cholesterol, this seemingly minor substance, plays an important role in our bodies. It is an essential component of cell membranes, participates in many biochemical reactions, and is crucial for maintaining our life activities. However, when cholesterol levels are too high, it becomes a double-edged sword that can both harm and protect us.
The relationship between high blood lipids and high cholesterol mainly manifests in their impact on cardiovascular health. When cholesterol levels in the blood are high, the excess cholesterol deposits on the blood vessel walls, forming plaques. These plaques gradually enlarge, leading to narrowing of the blood vessels and impaired blood flow. More seriously, once a plaque ruptures, it can cause the formation of blood clots, which may lead to serious cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, etc.
At What Level Does Cholesterol Become High Blood Lipids?
When discussing at what level cholesterol is considered high blood lipids, it is first necessary to clarify that high blood lipids are not determined solely by the cholesterol index. It usually involves other lipid indicators such as triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
Medically speaking, when the total cholesterol (TC) in the serum exceeds 240 mg/dL (approximately 6.2 mmol/L), we may consider it as a marker of high blood lipids. However, this is only a rough reference value because each person’s body condition and genetic background are different, so more detailed evaluation and personalized treatment plans may be needed.
In addition, HDL-C is known as “good cholesterol” because it helps transport cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver for metabolism, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Conversely, LDL-C is known as “bad cholesterol” because it deposits on the artery walls, forming plaques, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, even if total cholesterol levels are within the normal range, high LDL-C levels or low HDL-C levels may also be considered as high blood lipids.
Factors Related to Elevated Cholesterol
Genetic Factors
People with a family history of cholesterol abnormalities are at significantly increased risk of high cholesterol levels.
Age
Age is also an important factor not to be ignored. As people age, the body’s metabolism slows down, affecting cholesterol metabolism and making cholesterol levels more likely to increase.
Diseases
In addition, certain diseases can also lead to high cholesterol levels. For example, patients with diabetes often have lipid abnormalities due to abnormal insulin secretion and insulin resistance, including high cholesterol levels. Similarly, hypothyroidism also affects cholesterol metabolism, leading to elevated cholesterol levels.
Medications
Some medications, such as corticosteroids, beta-blockers, thiazide diuretics, etc., can affect cholesterol metabolism, leading to high cholesterol levels. Therefore, when using these medications for a long time, it is necessary to regularly monitor lipid levels and adjust treatment plans promptly.
Mental Stress and Lifestyle Habits
Long-term mental stress can lead to endocrine disorders, affecting cholesterol metabolism. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive drinking, etc., can also have adverse effects on cholesterol metabolism, leading to elevated cholesterol levels.
“High Cholesterol” Food List Revealed: Eggs Rank Last, Some People Even Consider Them as Supplements
5th Place: Eggs
Although eggs are traditionally considered high-cholesterol foods, the actual cholesterol content in eggs is not as high as imagined. In fact, eggs are primarily composed of high-quality protein, providing a rich source of nutrients for the body.
When we delve into a 50-gram egg, we can find that the cholesterol content is approximately around 296 milligrams. While this figure may not be low compared to other foods, it is not extraordinarily high either. Additionally, it is worth noting that the cholesterol in eggs is mainly concentrated in the yolk, while the white part contains almost no cholesterol.
For people with slightly elevated lipid levels, eggs can still be consumed in moderation. In fact, consuming eggs in moderation, such as eating 5 a week, will not significantly affect lipid levels and may actually help enhance cholesterol metabolism. This is because the nutrients in eggs, such as lecithin, can facilitate cholesterol metabolism and elimination, helping maintain stable lipid levels.
4th Place: Cake
Cake, a popular dessert loved by many, is classified as a high-cholesterol food in nutrition. While it is enjoyed for its enticing appearance, rich texture, and diverse flavors, one cannot overlook the potential health risks it may bring.
The main ingredients of cake include flour, sugar, fats, and eggs. Among them, fats and eggs are the main sources of cholesterol in cakes. Fats, especially animal fats such as butter and cream, contain high cholesterol. While the cholesterol content in each egg is not particularly high, when multiple eggs are used in making a cake, the cumulative cholesterol content should not be underestimated.
In addition to cholesterol, cakes also contain high amounts of sugar and saturated fats. These components not only can increase weight but can also raise blood sugar and lipid levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the additives and preservatives in cakes may also have adverse effects on health.
3rd Place: Seafood
When it comes to delicious seafood, shrimp and crab are undoubtedly top choices. Not only are they delicious but they are also rich in protein, minerals, and various vitamins, making them favorite ingredients for many. However, as people often say, deliciousness often comes with some potential health risks, and shrimp and crab are no exception. While these seafood are rich in nutrients, they also have relatively high cholesterol content, requiring moderate intake while enjoying their flavors.
First, let’s understand the cholesterol content of shrimp. Approximately 150-200 milligrams of cholesterol are found in every 100 grams of shrimp meat. This figure may not be particularly high compared to other meats, but if large quantities of shrimp are consumed, the accumulated cholesterol content should not be underestimated. In addition, shrimp meat also contains high levels of purine substances, excessive consumption of which may increase the risk of diseases like gout.
On the other hand, crab roe is a significant source of cholesterol. Crab roe is the ovaries and digestive glands of crabs, rich in fats and cholesterol. Research shows that the cholesterol content in every 100 grams of crab roe can be as high as several hundreds of milligrams, even up to thousands of milligrams. Therefore, for individuals needing to control cholesterol intake, avoiding crab roe consumption is advisable.
2nd Place: Century Egg
Century egg, also known as preserved egg or hundred-year egg, is a traditional Chinese delicacy appreciated for its unique production process and flavor. Besides its appealing taste, century eggs have an undeniable characteristic — they are high-cholesterol foods.
Century eggs, made by preserving and fermenting duck eggs or chicken eggs, undergo chemical changes that result in their distinctive taste and color. However, this change also leads to higher cholesterol content in century eggs.
Cholesterol is an essential nutrient for the body, but excessive intake can adversely affect health. The cholesterol in century eggs mainly comes from their ingredients — duck eggs or chicken eggs. Each 100 grams of century egg may contain cholesterol levels as high as several hundreds of milligrams, which presents a significant challenge for individuals needing to control cholesterol intake.
1st Place: Animal Liver
In the eyes of many, animal livers are undeniably highly nutritious foods with various health benefits. Viewed from the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, animal livers are believed to replenish Qi, blood, and have liver-cleansing properties, making them valuable supplements thought to promote health and well-being.
Pork liver, as one type of animal liver, is highly esteemed for its nutrition value. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, indeed playing crucial roles in human health. Nevertheless, amid enjoying the nutritional benefits of pork liver, one should not overlook its potential risks.
An astounding fact is that approximately 100 grams of pork liver contain around 400 milligrams of cholesterol. This figure may come as a surprise to many as animal livers are usually considered healthy foods. However, when considering that the recommended daily cholesterol intake should be less than 300 milligrams, one realizes that the cholesterol content in pork liver cannot be ignored.
What to Do When Blood Lipids Are Elevated? Persist in Doing These 4 Things, and Your Body Might Feel Much Better
Persist in Exercise
Maintaining regular exercise is an important part of lowering blood lipids. Keeping at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can help burn excess fats, promote metabolism, thus lowering blood lipids.
Maintain Reasonable Eating Habits
We should try to reduce the intake of high-cholesterol and high-fat foods, such as animal offal, fatty meats, fried foods, etc. Meanwhile, increasing the consumption of foods rich in dietary fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits, can help lower cholesterol absorption.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Nicotine in tobacco and alcohol can both harm our liver, leading to abnormal fat metabolism, causing elevated blood lipids. Hence, for the sake of health, we should decisively quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
Seek Medical Attention Promptly
If blood lipids remain high, we should promptly seek medical attention, listen to the doctor’s advice, and control blood lipids through drug therapy. However, drugs are not a panacea; they can only serve as an adjunct to adjust lifestyle and dietary habits.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Research: The Lower the Cholesterol, the Higher the Cancer Risk?
A recent important study released by Shanghai Jiao Tong University has drawn widespread attention. This experiment on the relationship between serum cholesterol, blood sugar status, and cancer risk was conducted through in-depth observation lasting 3.8 years at 16 provinces and 20 community sites across the country.
The 138,000 participants in the study came from different regional backgrounds, had varying lifestyles and health conditions, providing rich data samples for the experiment.
Through precise monitoring of changes in participants’ blood sugar and cholesterol levels, researchers discovered a striking phenomenon: those with excessively low low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels had a higher cancer risk compared to others. This finding starkly contrasts with the common belief that “lower cholesterol is better.”
