People who have high cholesterol must avoid consuming foods that cause cholesterol. Not only for those of you who have high cholesterol, people who have a history or risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes are also advised to limit foods that cause cholesterol. Anything the hell What types of high cholesterol foods should be avoided?
Cholesterol is a component of fat that plays an important role in keeping cells and body tissues functioning. However, the amount should not exceed the normal limit of cholesterol in the body.
You are advised to maintain the consumption of cholesterol obtained from food with an amount of no more than 200 mg per day. If cholesterol levels in the body are too high, it can increase the risk of serious diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and obesity.
Know the Benefits of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is produced by the liver and is divided into several types, namely good cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides, and bad cholesterol (LDL). A person is said to have normal cholesterol levels if the amount of HDL is more than 60 mg/dL, triglycerides is less than 150 mg/dL, and LDL is less than 100 mg/dL.
Cholesterol plays an important role in the body's metabolic processes. In addition, cholesterol also helps the body in the process of producing bile, vitamin D, and several types of hormones, such as cortisol, testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.
List of Foods that Cause Cholesterol
Besides being produced by the liver, cholesterol can also be found in food. The following are some types of cholesterol-causing foods that need to be limited in consumption:
1. Fast food
Fast food, such as hamburgers and pizza, contain 85-180 mg of cholesterol in one serving. Not to mention if you add soda and French fries which are usually consumed together.
You are advised to limit the consumption of fast food and replace soft drinks with water to prevent high cholesterol.
2. Ice cream
One cup Ice cream contains more cholesterol than one burger and donut. Instead of eating ice cream for dessert, it's better to replace it with a bowl of fresh fruit that is rich in fiber and nutrients, and low in calories. Fruit is also a good food to reduce cholesterol levels in the body.
3. Steak
Beef steak is one of the foods that contain a lot of cholesterol. Even though it's high in cholesterol and saturated fat, that doesn't mean you can't eat beef steak at all.
If you want to eat steak, choose lean meat that is lower in cholesterol, such as beef belly (beef flanks). In a piece of lean beef, contained about 300 mg of cholesterol. You can also replace beef with lamb with lower cholesterol content, which is around 100 - 150 mg.
4. Eggs
Eggs can be a source of healthy protein as long as they are not consumed in excess every day. If you have eaten eggs as a breakfast menu, you are advised to avoid consuming other sources of cholesterol, such as offal and fatty meats, as a lunch menu. People with high cholesterol are still allowed to eat 4-6 eggs per week.
5. Seafood
Some types of seafood, such as lobster, are foods that cause high cholesterol. In every 100 grams of lobster contained about 70 mg of cholesterol. To reduce cholesterol intake, choose other seafood dishes, such as fish, caviar, and it is better if the seafood is boiled or steamed rather than fried.
6. Offal and chicken skin
Offal or parts of the entrails and organs of animals, such as intestines, tripe, or brain, contain more cholesterol than the meat. This part also contains a lot of uric acid. Therefore, you should limit or even avoid the consumption of offal, especially for those of you who suffer from high cholesterol and uric acid.
In addition to offal, chicken skin also contains high cholesterol. Likewise with cow skin which is often used as crackers. Therefore, you should limit or even avoid the consumption of offal and skin, especially for those of you who suffer from high cholesterol and uric acid.
7. Duck meat
Duck meat is one of the foods with a higher cholesterol content than chicken. In 100 grams of duck meat, it contains at least 80 mg of cholesterol. Meanwhile, chicken with the same portion only contains about 60 mg of cholesterol. You are advised to remove the skin when processing duck meat to reduce cholesterol levels.
8. Cheese and milk
Cheese and milk are foods that contain high fat and cholesterol. You can still eat milk and cheese if you have high cholesterol, but you should choose low-fat cheese and milk.
By knowing the various types of foods that cause high cholesterol, it does not mean you have to avoid all the foods above. You are expected to be more selective and careful in choosing and consuming food. To prevent high cholesterol, balance it with fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
In addition, don't forget to check cholesterol levels and undergo regular health checks to the doctor, especially if you suffer from high cholesterol in order to avoid the risk of developing other diseases due to high cholesterol in the body.