Health usually isn’t the most understood topic. A lot of people have formed ideas and
beliefs about the world of health through old misinformation and stories passed down
through the generations. In the last few decades, we even seen major campaigns
demonizing food that has been eaten by people for as long as humans have recorded
events in history. To dispel some of these beliefs, this article has been written to discuss
a few of the myths about the causes of high cholesterol.
Say No to Eggs
In the 1980’s, there were major ad campaigns aimed at discouraging people from eating
eggs. This is because at the time, people understood that eggs contained a high
amount of dietary cholesterol, and the amount that they contained made up two thirds of
what nutrition experts were saying a person should intake at one time. As time has gone
on, and more research studies have been published, it because clear that the
cholesterol contained in eggs was much different than the cholesterol that we find in our
blood. Eggs contain a large portion of the good fats that people need.
High Cholesterol Only Affects Adults
Over the last 20 years, childhood obesity rates have increased by a more than
unfavorable amount. A good portion of people have believed in the bogus claim that
children aren’t susceptible to high cholesterol or heart disease, but studies have proven
that this is false. When children eat diets that are high in saturated fats and low in
soluble fibers and HDL cholesterol, the body can begin to decline in health and
experience arterial blockages just as easily as many adults. They key to prevention is a
solid diet of unsaturated fats with lots of HDL producing foods. Having a balanced meal
during younger years can also have a life changing effect on later health.
It’s Healthy If It Says No Cholesterol
One thing that food companies have been bad at, is labeling what type of fat or
cholesterol that they are talking about when they make these claims on the front of their
packaging. Generally speaking, when a package says, “No cholesterol“ they are talking
about dietary cholesterol, which has far less to do with high cholesterol. A more
accurate indication would be the amount of trans fats or saturated fats found in
packaged foods.
You should always talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your cholesterol, so
that they can guide you toward what to do or not do.