What should a cholesterol-lowering diet be like?

Maintaining health is a balancing act. Some substances aren't harmful to the body; in fact, they're necessary. But excess can cause serious problems, as is the case with cholesterol. Here are the details:

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the cell membranes of our bodies, from the nervous system to the liver and heart, explains a report from the Familial Hypercholesterolemia Foundation (Spain). Its experts state that the body needs cholesterol to produce hormones, bile acids, vitamin D, and other substances that impact health.

However, When cholesterol is high, fatty deposits may form in your blood vessels, which then grow and make it harder for blood to flow through the arteries. , warns the Mayo Clinic Institute. In some cases, it indicates, These deposits can suddenly break off and form a clot that causes a heart attack or stroke. .

Diet against cholesterol

Poor nutrition among the population is a determining factor in high cholesterol levels, the Spanish Society of Cardiology emphasizes. In a report, it indicates that reversing this situation requires lifestyle changes: healthy eating, reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, avoiding excess weight, and exercising .

It is in this context that it is necessary to make changes in our eating habits to allow our body to detoxify, for the arteries to stop accumulating fat, and for the heart to function properly and enjoy good health .

The Spanish Heart Foundation refers to a perfect diet to achieve cholesterol reduction. Its experts advise Consume between 30 and 35% of fat in the form of virgin olive oil and fish, reduce the consumption of saturated fats, and incorporate fruits and vegetables daily. .

Besides, They recommend consuming whole grains, legumes and nuts . As for cooking methods, The ideal is to choose to bake, steam or grill, thus reducing the use of fats. Beyond these dietary changes, they advise that physical activity is necessary.

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