Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Amount myth cholesterol is widespread in the midst of society. Know the facts behind the myths cholesterol the.
Blood cholesterol is a fat-like substance made by the liver. Blood cholesterol is very important for health. The body needs cholesterol to make hormones and digest fatty foods.
On the other hand, cholesterol is also an indicator of health and a risk factor for a number of diseases.
Here are the cholesterol myths:
1. Myth: all cholesterol is bad
Fact: not all types of cholesterol are bad for health.
Quoted from CDCCholesterol is carried throughout the body by proteins called lipoproteins. There are two types of lipoproteins namely low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
LDL is known as bad cholesterol. LDL can build up in blood vessels creating plaque. Plaque that builds up makes blood vessels constrict so that it interferes with blood flow and heart health. The more LDL the higher the risk of heart disease and stroke.
While HDL is known as good cholesterol, in charge of bringing cholesterol back to the liver. High HDL levels can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
2. Myth: when cholesterol is high, symptoms appear in the body
Fact: High cholesterol or LDL usually has no signs or symptoms. In many cases, a person is often not aware of having high cholesterol until they have a heart attack or stroke.
Therefore, it is important to regularly check blood cholesterol every year.
3. Myth: high cholesterol can’t be changed
Fact: Cholesterol levels in the blood can be kept within healthy limits.
Cholesterol levels are influenced by a number of factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking. Consumption of lots of fiber, avoiding saturated fat, regular exercise every day, and not smoking can lower LDL cholesterol levels.
4. Myth: cholesterol doesn’t need medicine
Fact: While most people can achieve healthy cholesterol levels with a healthy diet and regular exercise, some people need medication to lower bad cholesterol.
Some people need statins or other drugs to lower bad cholesterol levels, such as people with very high cholesterol, people with cardiovascular disease, and people with type 2 diabetes.
5. Myth: thin people have no cholesterol
Fact: underweight or normal weight can still have high cholesterol.
Quoted from Medical News Today, cholesterol is not affected by body weight. Cholesterol is influenced by diet, exercise, sleep, genetics, age, thyroid function, and medication.
That’s the cholesterol myth and the facts behind it.
(ptj)
– .
