Do you know your cholesterol level?
Published in August 20th, 2024
Despite appearing to be a great villain (without care, it really can become one), cholesterol is made up of fats that are very important for living beings and which act as an energy reserve, thermal insulator and many other functions. It is divided into two types:
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) is a particle associated with cholesterol and is responsible for transporting it to the liver, where it is broken down and removed. This type helps produce hormones such as cortisol (a stress management aid), vitamin D and bile acids that aid digestion, for example.
LDL (Low Intensity Lipoprotein), on the other hand, accumulates excess fat in the arteries, obstructing the passage of blood. In this case, we call it "bad cholesterol" because it is responsible for cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and peripheral vascular insufficiency.
It's worth noting that around 70% of cholesterol is manufactured by our own liver, while the other 30% comes from food, in which case high levels can trigger serious cardiovascular diseases and complications.
A word of caution: high cholesterol is detected by laboratory tests. So keep your tests up to date with a doctor who can interpret the results and refer you for appropriate treatment.
The problem is serious. According to a survey by the Brazilian Society of Cardiology (SBC), 67% of Brazilians are unaware of their own cholesterol levels, while 40% of the adult population and 20% of children and adolescents have high cholesterol levels.
It's also worth debunking a myth: not only obese people suffer from bad cholesterol. High LDL levels can affect anyone for genetic reasons and especially those with poor health habits, affecting everyone from children to adults, regardless of weight.
An important part of this prevention and control process involves adopting a lifestyle that includes healthy foods and physical exercise.
Here's a tip: avoid fried foods, processed foods such as fast food and high-fat meats during your daily meals. Here are some tips on foods rich in nutrients, fiber and Omega-3 that can (and should) be on your grocery list!
? O omega-3 can be found in seafood and fish
? Meat is a source of protein, but prefer lean meat
? Brown rice, whole wheat flour, corn, soy and oats have high amounts of vitamin E, B complex and iron
? Vegetables are rich in fiber
? To increase the amount of calcium, milk and its derivatives. Warning: opt for skimmed milk
Fun fact: the Ministry of Health has established National Cholesterol Prevention and Control Day on August 8th. The aim is to raise awareness among the Brazilian population about the risks of high cholesterol and to help reduce cardiovascular diseases, which are among the leading causes of death in Brazil.
The sooner the changes are put into practice, the better the results will be for your health!
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