Myths And Truths About Anti-Cholesterol Diets

Myths And Truths About Anti-Cholesterol Diets

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential for the body to function. It is found in the nerves, skin, intestines, brain, liver, muscles, and heart. However, when there is too much bad (LDL) cholesterol in the body, known as dyslipidemia, it can clog blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack.

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential for the body to function. It is found in the nerves, skin, intestines, brain, liver, muscles, and heart. However, excess bad (LDL) cholesterol in the body can lead to a problem called dyslipidemia, which can cause blood vessels to clog and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks. Here are some of the major myths and truths about cholesterol and diet

Eating Eggs Can Increase Cholesterol

Myth – Eggs are considered one of the most complete sources of protein and contain vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, B12; iron, zinc, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, and other nutrients. According to Natalia de Oliveira Carvalho, a nutritionist at the Coronary Unit of the Syrian-Lebanese Hospital, current recommendations suggest that it is acceptable to eat one egg per day if the diet is restricted to other cholesterol-rich foods. The same is true for other foods rich in good cholesterol, such as nuts, walnuts, and almonds, but these foods are high in calories and should be eaten two to three per day.

A Low-Carbohydrate Diet May Increase Cholesterol

The truth – Dr. Claudia Kasser-Khalil, an endocrinologist and coordinator of the Center for Obesity and Eating Disorders at the Syrian Lebanese Hospital, believes that a healthy diet should contain all nutrients: carbohydrates, proteins and fats.” She explains, “When you reduce carbohydrate foods, you increase your protein and fat intake, which tends to increase your cholesterol.

Lean People Don’t Have High Cholesterol

Myth – Dyslipidemia is more common in overweight people because they often eat an unbalanced diet, but it can also affect lean people.” Some people may be overweight, but others eat too much fatty food.” Dr. Claudia said. A family history of high cholesterol and certain diseases, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and Cushing’s syndrome, can also raise cholesterol levels in the body.

Lemonade And Eggplant Water Can Help Lower Cholesterol

Myth – These drinks help with satiety and can even partially reduce hunger in some people, but according to Dr. Claudia, there is no scientific evidence that lemonade and eggplant water have any effect on lowering cholesterol.

Coconut Oil Can Lower Cholesterol And Help With Weight Loss

Myth – In recent years, coconut oil has become a staple food for many people seeking a healthy lifestyle. However, according to the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, coconut oil contains about 90% saturated fat, which increases bad cholesterol. Already, the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism warns that the product, by itself, does not have the ability to help you lose weight. Therefore, coconut oil should not replace other oils and its maximum daily consumption should not exceed 1 tablespoon (15 ml).

Statins Are Safe Medications For High Cholesterol

Truth – Statins are the main prescription drugs for lowering cholesterol. According to Dr. Eugênio Gomes de Moraes, only 0.1% of people who take this drug have to change their treatment because of myalgia (muscle pain). It is.” This drug is safe and has been proven over the years to be taken by millions of people. It should not be confused with other treatments that are considered miracle cures without medical advice.” The cardiologist said.

See what has changed

• The latest edition of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology’s Guidelines for the Prevention of Dyslipidemia and Atherosclerosis, released in August 2017, re.
• According to Dr. Moraes, the main change is in LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in people with risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The goal for people at high risk, considered by doctors to be the middle ground, is to lower LDL in the blood from 130 mg/dL to less than 100 mg/dL.
• Lowering the ideal LDL level from 100 mg/dL to 70 mg/dL for those at high risk and changing the ideal LDL level from 70 mg/dL to 50 mg/dL for those at very high risk.” The purpose of these adjustments is to treat the problem early and prevent the onset of diseases such as heart attack and stroke.” The cardiologist explained.
• Cholesterol control and the treatment of dyslipidemia is one of the treatments that cardiology centers are striving to improve. Some of the most important cardiologists in Brazil work together at the hospital to provide cardiology diagnosis and treatment from the simplest to the most dangerous and complex conditions.
• The hospital’s Cardiology Center is one of the few hospitals in Brazil with a specialized unit to treat patients with heart failure who require mechanical support (artificial heart) or heart transplant.