Who has never happened to go for a blood test and ask themselves the value of cholesterol and triglycerides? But why is it so important to monitor the value of these fats? What damage can they cause to health? And what are the foods that contain them most?
The blood it consists of a portion of fats better known as “lipids”, which are divided into two categories: cholesterol and triglycerides. It must be said, however, that many of these derive from food.
This is why it is important to know the most dangerous foods for cardiovascular disease.
What are cholesterol and triglycerides
Triglycerides are energy reserves that are accumulated in adipocytes, the cells that form adipose tissue and are essential for life.
Cholesterol, on the other hand, is a fat produced largely by the body, but 20% of it comes from food.
It is distinguished in LDL and HDL, which are the values to keep under control when we do blood tests.
LDL is the “good” cholesterol so called “scavenger”, because it works like a vacuum cleaner. That is, it picks up excess cholesterol and takes it to the liver which disposes of it.
HDL is the “bad” cholesterol. When there is too much of it around it sticks to the walls of the arteries forming “plaques” that obstruct the passage of blood flow, causing diseases such as stroke and heart attack.
In general, cholesterol and triglycerides are among the greatest enemies of health. In fact, numerous diseases derive from their high value such as diabetes, obesity, hypothyroidism, but also kidney, cardiovascular and hepatic problems.
The main culprits of high cholesterol are saturated fats, which derive from foods of animal origin.
The most dangerous foods for cardiovascular diseases
Meat: they are particularly rich in saturated fats in particular some cuts, the meat broth, the skin and the yellow parts of the chicken. Not to mention processed meats such as frankfurters, sausages and sausages which also have an excessive salt content which also favors the onset of hypertension.
Fresh and aged cheeses: with high quantities of these fats and also of salt. The more a cheese is aged, the more saturated fat it will contain.
Oils rich in fats: the oils used for frying, but also butter, lard, coconut oil, palm oil and even fat creams, lard, tallow.
Butter and dairy products: but also other fresh cheeses such as yogurt and derivatives, some ice creams.
Processed foods: foods such as snacks and snacks rich in sugars and hydrogenated fats that are quickly absorbed by the body.
Sugary drinks: chock full of fats and sugars devoid of any nutrients.
Useful tips
Help comes from healthy eating. We can raise the LDL levels, favoring unsaturated fats, such as extra virgin olive oil, dried fruit and nuts.
A very important help is given by physical activity, while smoking is deleterious.
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