To help prevent high cholesterol, you can eat a low-salt diet.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — High cholesterol has no symptoms. You may be putting yourself at risk without realizing it. According to the Mayo Clinic, cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. The body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
The following are factors that can increase the risk of bad cholesterol as reported by the page: Eat This, Not That, Sunday (26/9):
1. Poor diet
The Mayo Clinic mentions eating the saturated fats found in animal products; and trans fats found in some commercially baked cookies and crackers and popcorn microwave can increase cholesterol levels. “Foods that are high in cholesterol, such as red meat and full-fat dairy products, will also raise your cholesterol,” the Mayo Clinic writes.
2. Obesity
Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts you at risk for high cholesterol.
3. Lack of exercise
Exercise helps increase your body’s HDL, or good cholesterol, while increasing the size of the particles that make up your LDL, or bad cholesterol, which makes it less harmful.
4. Smoking
Smoking damages the walls of your blood vessels, making them more prone to build up fat deposits. Smoking can also lower levels of HDL, or good cholesterol.
5. Age
“Because body chemistry changes with age, your risk of high cholesterol goes up. For example, as you age, your liver becomes less able to eliminate LDL cholesterol,” says the Mayo Clinic.
6. Diabetes
“High blood sugar contributes to higher levels of harmful cholesterol called very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and lowers HDL cholesterol. High blood sugar also damages the lining of your arteries,” says the Mayo Clinic.
How to prevent high cholesterol
The Mayo Clinic says heart-healthy lifestyle changes can lower cholesterol and help prevent you from having high cholesterol in the first place. To help prevent high cholesterol, you can eat a low-salt diet that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, limit the amount of animal fat and use good fats in moderation.
The Mayo Clinic also advises losing extra weight and maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking. Don’t forget to exercise most days of the week for at least 30 minutes.
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