ABOUT CHOLESTEROL

There are two different types of cholesterol which are “good cholesterol” and “bad cholesterol” in our body. Increasing good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol can protect the health of blood vessels and prevent hardening and blockage of blood vessels.

Thus, choosing the right foods is crucial to maintain healthy cholesterol levels.

What is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol?

1. Bad Cholesterol – Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL)
High consumption of bad cholesterol may be harmful to the blood vessels because it contains more fat and lower density. When too much of LDL lead to buildup plaque on the inner wall of blood vessels, it will cause hardening and blockage of the blood vessel.

2. Good cholesterol – high blood cholesterol (HDL)
The good cholesterol is good for blood vessel. HDL is rich in protein and high density. HDL absorbs the bad cholesterol deposits on blood vessels and bring them to the liver. The liver then flushed it out from the body thereby promoting better blood flow, like a vacuum cleaner for bad cholesterol in the body.

High Bad cholesterol Foods to avoid:
• Fried foods: French fries, chicken nuggets, contain high in trans fats.
• Creamy foods: butter, cream, margarine, contain high in saturated fat.
• Processed meats: hot dogs, sausages, lunch meats, contain high in saturated fat

Foods That Lower Cholesterol
Recommended to eat more plant-based foods because plant foods are cholesterol-free and contain “phytosterols” which can inhibit the absorption of cholesterol.

Not only that, plant-based foods are also rich in dietary fiber, which can also help reduce bad cholesterol and total cholesterol levels in the body. For example, green leafy vegetables, soy products, grains (such as oats, barley) to add more into your diet.

Reference:
天纪元。降坏胆固醇 增好胆固醇 你该吃这些食物。Viewed on: 12 July 2022, from: https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/19/3/6/n11092155.htm