Cholesterol gets a bad rap. While having high cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease, did you know that your body needs cholesterol to help digest food, produce vitamin D, absorb important nutrients and more? Despite being a key factor to good health, there are still many myths circulating about cholesterol.
Here are seven other myths and facts about this essential but misunderstood substance.
MYTH: Cholesterol is always bad for you.
Fact: There are two types of cholesterol. The first is high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This “good” cholesterol helps remove some of the “bad” cholesterol from your body. On results from a cholesterol test, a higher HDL is best. The second type of cholesterol is low-density lipoprotein (LDL). This “bad” cholesterol is caused by a buildup of plaque in your artery walls. Too much plaque can block your blood vessels, ultimately leading to heart attack or stroke. A high LDL is concerning, but don’t panic. A primary care physician or cardiologist can help reduce your levels.
MYTH: If you’re thin, you don’t need to worry about your cholesterol levels.
Fact: While people who are overweight are more likely to have high cholesterol, it affects thin people, too. Everyone ages 20 and older should have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years, according to the American Heart Association.
MYTH: Cholesterol can only be lowered by taking medicine.
Fact: A healthy lifestyle is key to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. If you have or are at risk of developing high cholesterol, a healthy diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables, increased physical activity and quitting smoking can help lower your levels. However, there are some people whose high cholesterol will remain no matter what lifestyle changes they make. In these cases, a physician may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications.
MYTH: Cholesterol only comes from food.
Fact: While cholesterol can come from some of the animal products you eat, such as meat, fish, eggs and whole milk, your liver naturally produces cholesterol. For some people, their liver makes more cholesterol than is needed. In those cases, high cholesterol is possible, but a balanced diet coupled with careful management will help keep their levels in check.
MYTH: High cholesterol doesn’t affect kids.
Fact: There’s an inherited form of high cholesterol, called familial hypercholesterolemia, that puts kids at high risk of heart disease. Talk to your pediatrician to see if you should test your child’s cholesterol. Plus, all kids can benefit from an early start on a healthy diet and lifestyle that can reduce the risk of future heart problems.
MYTH: If a food doesn’t contain cholesterol, it’s good for your heart.
Fact: Foods with low or no cholesterol can still have high levels of saturated or trans fats that can raise your cholesterol levels.
MYTH: Eating eggs causes high cholesterol.
Fact: As long as you enjoy them in moderation, you don’t have to avoid eggs. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 300 milligrams of dietary cholesterol a day. Eggs can contain as much as 200 mg, which is more than two-thirds the recommended amount. But your body is working for you. If your dietary intake rises, your body produces less cholesterol, limiting the amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream.
