Jakarta –
The foods you eat regularly play a role in blood cholesterol levels. If your blood cholesterol levels are high, you should avoid consuming these 11 delicious foods.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the human body and in animal products, such as meat, eggs and milk. This compound, a quarter of which is produced by liver cells, is useful for building cell membranes, carrying out brain and nerve functions, producing hormones, absorbing vitamin D and producing bile.
According to Everyday Health, there are two types of cholesterol in the body, namely high-density lipoprotein (HDL) aka good cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) aka bad cholesterol. Cardiologist Bruce Andrus said that cholesterol is important for the body.
“Cholesterol is important for human body cells,” said Andrus, quoted from Everyday Health, Friday (18/10/2024).
Even though it is beneficial for the body, cholesterol levels need to be maintained. This is because high LDL levels can cause various disease problems, such as the risk of heart disease, stroke, and worsening blood circulation.
Quoting from Healthline, there are at least 11 foods divided into seven healthy foods with high cholesterol levels and four foods that must be avoided to prevent LDL from increasing in the body. Anything? Here’s the list.
1. Eggs
Boiled eggs are healthy but contain high cholesterol, so they should not be consumed too much. Photo: Special
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Eggs are a mainstay food for many people because they contain a lot of protein at a relatively cheap price per item. However, it turns out that eggs contain high cholesterol even though they are rich in protein. According to FoodData Central, one 50 gram egg contains 207 mg of cholesterol.
A study published by Foods in 2021 found that eggs do not increase cholesterol levels and that eating whole eggs can increase HDL. However, several other studies also found that frequently consuming eggs can also increase LDL.
If you don’t have high cholesterol levels, experts say that eating one egg per day is still safe.
2. Cheese
Cheese is also said to contain 20 mg of cholesterol. Photo: Getty Images/iStockphoto
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Food Data Central reveals that one slice of Swiss cheese contains 20 mg of cholesterol, calcium and other nutrients.
Meanwhile, a 12-day study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming 80 grams of full-fat cheese every day did not increase LDL levels in the body when compared to the amount of low-fat cheese.
3. Shellfish
Shellfish also contain quite high cholesterol. Photo: Getty Images/EzumeImages
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Shellfish, including mussels, crab, and shrimp are good sources of protein, B vitamins, iron, and selenium. FoodData Central found that canned shrimp weighing 85 grams contains 214 mg of cholesterol.
A study published by Adv Food Nutr Res found that people who consume more seafood can experience improved cognitive, visual and cardiovascular health.