High levels of “bad cholesterol” can block blood vessels
Recent research shows that the mortality rate from coronary heart disease among Chinese residents is increasing, with 77% attributed to elevated blood cholesterol levels. In fact, there is substantial evidence that increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, commonly known as “bad cholesterol”) is closely associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
Elevated levels of “bad cholesterol” can damage and block blood vessels, potentially leading to cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and strokes, presenting an indirect threat to life and health.
Why are levels of bad cholesterol elevated in the body? Experts from the public health sector assert that it is closely related to our daily diet. Four specific types of food can significantly contribute to high cholesterol levels! This means if tests show high cholesterol, you should avoid these four types of food.
1. Animal brains
Experts tell us that, based on a measurement of 100 grams of food, pig brains contain 2571 milligrams of cholesterol, sheep brains have 2004 milligrams, and cow brains have 2447 milligrams. This cholesterol content is astonishing, so if you find yourself with high cholesterol, make sure to avoid eating animal brains. If you absolutely crave them, limit yourself to once or twice a year. Yes, you read that correctly—per year.
2. Animal broth
Experts inform us that broths, such as chicken soup and pork soup, also contain a large amount of cholesterol, which can easily lead to weight gain and even high blood lipids. In severe cases, it may cause coronary heart disease and arteriosclerosis. If your cholesterol is high, you should definitely not consume these broths.
3. Cream, butter, etc.
Many people believe that these foods do not contain significant cholesterol, but did you know? These fats are rich in saturated fatty acids, which can promote the liver to synthesize more cholesterol and can also reduce the body’s efficiency of cholesterol excretion, gradually causing it to accumulate in the blood and harm your vascular health. Therefore, if you have high cholesterol, you really need to steer clear of foods rich in saturated fatty acids like cream and butter.
4. Animal organs
While animal organs are often rich in iron, they also contain high levels of cholesterol. Common organs include the kidneys, livers, lungs, and intestines of pigs, cows, sheep, and chickens, generally containing 200-400 milligrams of cholesterol per 100 grams. So if your cholesterol is high, you should limit your intake of animal organs to no more than twice a month.
Now that we know the reasons for elevated cholesterol, what foods should those with high cholesterol consume more of?
1. Foods rich in fiber
Studies have found that dietary fiber can reduce total cholesterol by 5% to 26%. Especially in the morning, supplementing with dietary fiber is crucial to health. Oats, mixed breakfast cereals, and whole grain bread are excellent sources of fiber. Of course, fruits and vegetables are also great sources of fiber.
2. Apples
Experts tell us that apples, rich in pectin, cellulose, and vitamin C, have a significant cholesterol-lowering effect. Research has found that if you eat two apples daily for a month, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (which is harmful to the cardiovascular system) in most people will decrease, while the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (beneficial for cardiovascular health) will increase.
3. Seaweed
Research indicates that on one hand, seaweed is rich in taurine, which can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels in bile; on the other hand, seaweed is abundant in alginic acid, a type of dietary fiber that can inhibit cholesterol absorption and promote its excretion.
4. Tea
Tea is a very healthy beverage choice, whether green or black; both contain caffeine and tea polyphenols, which can invigorate, strengthen the heart, act as a diuretic, and lower cholesterol levels. Many studies…
