Cholesterol is widely present in animal bodies and is an essential substance for the synthesis and regeneration of animal tissue cells. Under normal circumstances, the cholesterol content in the body is stable. Even if we obtain cholesterol from food, our liver will convert it into steroid hormones or incorporate it into cell membranes to maintain cholesterol balance.
However, when the liver, kidneys, or other organs become diseased, it can affect cholesterol levels, leading to high cholesterol. Elevated cholesterol can cause the accumulation of lipid substances in the blood vessels, resulting in vascular narrowing and further leading to impaired blood supply to target organs.
Therefore, patients with cardiovascular diseases should try to avoid foods with high cholesterol levels, especially the following three:
1. Animal livers such as pig livers and lamb livers
In the preliminary compilation of the list of carcinogens published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in 2017, cholesterol is mentioned. Therefore, it is essential to control cholesterol intake. Cholesterol is widely present in animal bodies, especially in animal livers, with very high cholesterol content. Although foods like pig livers and lamb livers are nutrient-dense and can help improve blood function, they can also lead to elevated cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is advisable to consume animal livers such as pig livers and lamb livers in moderation.
2. Animal brain tissues such as pig brains
Apart from animal livers, animal brain tissues also contain high levels of cholesterol. While the consumption of pig brains is not common in northern China, some regions have a preference for consuming animal brain tissues. Consuming raw monkey brains, as reported in the news in recent years, is not only cruel but also unhealthy. Consequently, regions where cholesterol levels are high also have high incidences of hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases.
3. Egg yolks
Egg yolks from animals also contain high cholesterol levels, such as chicken egg yolks and duck egg yolks. Salted eggs like salted duck eggs and salted chicken eggs have higher cholesterol content compared to freshly steamed eggs. Additionally, during the pickling process of duck and chicken eggs, a large amount of salt is used, leading to higher sodium content, which can result in the formation of carcinogens through oxidation and long-term storage. Therefore, it is advisable to consume egg yolks in moderation, especially salted egg yolks.
Furthermore, some animal fats like butter, lard, and tallow contain high cholesterol levels and should be consumed in moderation. Some experts also suggest that shellfish contain excessive cholesterol levels, so they should not be consumed excessively.
