7 Myths or Facts About Cholesterol

Many statements about the cholesterol that already circulating in society. Most of the statement is not supported by a strong research data. It would be misleading. So, what are myths and facts about cholesterol that we need to know? Here's his review:

#1. Cholesterol is Evil

Cholesterol is not always evil. The right amount, it actually has an important function in our body, which form the outer layer of the cell walls and nerve sheaths, and also serves as one of the basic ingredients of hormones, vitamin D, and bile to digest fat.

There is good and bad cholesterol. Also known as bad cholesterol or LDL accumulate fat in the walls of arteries that can potentially cause blockage of blood vessels. If the blockage occurs in the heart, a heart attack will occur, and if it occurs in the brain will cause a stroke. Meanwhile, HDL or good cholesterol charge of cleaning the blood vessel walls from the evil fat deposits.

#2. Skinny bodies No Need to Fear Cholesterol

This is not true. Although someone look skinny or slim, they are not necessarily immune to cholesterol. The type of food consumed will determine the composition of cholesterol that your body is in good or evil. Therefore, it is important for you to start to check their cholesterol levels whatever your body type since the age of 20 years.

#3. Eggs Contain High Cholesterol

Yes, that is true. One large egg can contain almost 200 mg of cholesterol (a day is the recommended cholesterol levels of 300 mg). Actually, eggs contain protein and other nutrient components that are essential to the body. Therefore, eat eggs in a certain amount, such as one or two eggs a few days a week.

#4. Small children not Have High Cholesterol

This is not true. Believe it or not, there are studies that show that the buildup of fatty plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis) can be started from the age of 8 years! Therefore, pediatricians recommend that parents pay attention to the type and amount of food consumed by their children from an early age. Because in addition to high cholesterol, children can be affected by obesity, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Reduce diet high in saturated fat and trans fat, while it multiply eat fruits, green vegetables, and regular exercise.

#5. Ice Cream Contain High Cholesterol

This is true. Who would have thought, a small shovel ice cream turned out to contain 11 grams of saturated fat - more than is contained in the eggs or steak. Therefore, reduce your consumption of ice cream snacks. For a healthier choice, you can try yogurt (frozen yogurt) which has the texture and taste like ice cream.

#6. Men Tend More Vulnerable

Correctly. Men tend to have more frequent problems of high cholesterol than women, because women have a protective function of the hormone estrogen that lowers bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. However, after menopause estrogen will decrease and women will lose these benefits.

#7. Alcohol Can Lower Cholesterol

Yes, but if taken in a certain amount, 140 ml to 280 ml for women and men. Alcoholic drink such as red wine and beer can increase good cholesterol. But be careful, if drunk too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure.

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