Understanding and Managing High Cholesterol
Summary
High cholesterol increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, but it can often be managed through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Fish, whole grains, nuts, fruits, and vegetables can help lower bad cholesterol, while fatty meats, butter, and trans-fat foods should be limited.
Key Points
- High cholesterol is the abnormal buildup of fatty substances in the blood and can narrow arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Foods such as mackerel, salmon, olive oil, whole grains, nuts, legumes, fruits, and green vegetables can help reduce bad cholesterol.
- Red meat, butter, cream, coconut oil, palm oil foods, biscuits, and cookies should be reduced or avoided.
- Regular exercise, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and getting a lipid profile test are important for managing cholesterol.
