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Most
consumers confuse the difference between cholesterol
in food and cholesterol in the blood. Although
there is a relationship between food cholesterol
and blood cholesterol, there are very important
distinctions between the two.
To help clear up the confusion, it may be helpful
to remember that :
- The body makes its own cholesterol out of almost
anything we eat, but especially out of those excess
calories. The extra calories can be fats, carbohydrates
or proteins.
- Satured fat stimulates the body to manufacture
cholesterol. For this reason, it is more important
that we concentrate on avoiding foods high in
saturated fats rather than avoiding foods high
in cholesterol.
It is important to monitor how much cholesterol
you carry in your blood so that you can make
the necessary changes in your life style -dietary
changes, physical exercise, smoking cessation-or
seek the necessary medical advice for the best
course of therapy to reduce high blood cholesterol.
Better yet, eat sensibly, exercise regularly
and do not smoke. Why wait until you have high
blood cholesterol to make changes ? We all know
hard it is to break old habits.
In order to avoid high blood cholesterol you
should :
- Avoid overeating. Remember, this gives the
body more " fuel " to make cholesterol.
- Avoid saturated fat. For the most part, saturated
fat is found in fatty foods of animal origin
like meats, milk, and cheese. In fact, peas,
lentils and beans provide a great alternative
to foods of animal origin because they contain
the protein you need without saturated fat.
- Avoid weight gain. If you are overweight you
should try to get back to your normal weight
range with a sensible diet and regular physical
exercise.
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