CHOLESTEROL DIET SECRETS |
|
MYTH # 1: I AM FIT, HEALTHY AND THEREFORE DO NOT HAVE A CHOLESTEROL PROBLEM. NOT TRUE! Anyone could be battling with cholesterol internally without being aware of it. This is because cholesterol usually has no symptom until it is too late sometimes, showing up in the form of a sudden heart attack. But thank goodness that cholesterol could be diagnosed easily through a simply inexpensive blood test. If you are 30 years and older (age is a risk factor), you need an annual cholesterol check. This is the surest way to nip any cholesterol problem in the bud. MYTH # 2: I AM TOO YOUNG TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CHOLESTEROL! NOT TRUE! While older people do generally have problem with their cholesterol levels, however, we are also seeing more cholesterol cases in young adults. This could be due to the lifestyle of our modern society, whereby we work longer hours, exercise less, keep late nights, have more occasions to binge and worse we do not necessarily eat healthier food, and last but not least bad habits like smoking and alcohols. MYTH # 3: PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION FOR MY CHOLESTEROL PROBLEM WILL TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING! NOT TRUE! Medication is not a sure-fix solution. Medication should be used in conjunction with a change in lifestyle in order to more effectively control cholesterol. Certain drugs might also have side-effects that surface after prolonged consumption. Therefore, the keyword is balance. Balance your medication with appropriate lifestyle changes and diet. MYTH # 4: BUYING “LOW-FAT” AND “CHOLESTEROL-FREE” FOODS IS ALL I REALLY HAVE TO DO TO DEAL WITH LOWERING CHOLESTEROL. NOT TRUE! Unfortunately, food being food are not required to undergo strict labeling guidelines, unlike medicinal products. While some foods are labeled "low-fat", they may still contain unhealthy trans fats / saturated fats. Your best bet is to read and understand the labels. Click here on our section about reading labels. MYTH # 5: MARGARINE IS A LOT BETTER THAN BUTTER. NOT TRUE! All fats including those found in margarine and butter would contribute to our dietary cholesterol. Margarine and butter also contain sodium which in high amounts could pose other health challenges (such as increased blood pressure, reduction in bone density). Therefore, it is prudent not to consume either one excessively. Fortunately, this is a matter of habit, and like all habits, you can undone it. From now on, if you are given a serving of margarine or butter, use a quarter or half of it at most. Develop the habit of eating less. In cooking, use alternatives like cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil, canola oil and sunflower oil instead of margarine or butter. MYTH # 6: EGGS ARE NUTRITIONAL AND I CAN HAVE AS MANY OF THEM AS I LIKE TO. True and false. Once again, the "eating less" rule applies. Most of the cholesterols are found in the yolk. Eat if you must more of the egg white than the yolks. MYTH # 7: I AM A WOMAN SO I HAVE LOWER CHOLESTEROL RISK. NOT TRUE! Cholesterol risk is linked to many factors (see myth #2) other than the gender factor. So far, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that the female is less prone to cholesterol risk than the male. However, studies have shown that cholesterol risk for post-menopausal women is higher . MYTH # 8: MY DOCTOR HAS NEVER MENTIONED CHOLESTEROL, SO IT SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE FOR ME. NOT TRUE! Unless you have a blood test done, your doctor has no way of knowing whether a cholesterol problem exists. As mentioned earlier, cholesterol shows no symptoms, and often heart attack or stroke are the first signs of trouble. Therefore, go for an annual cholesterol blood test. This is a small investment that could save you a huge medical bill and your life. More tips to come. Nancy |