Facts On Cholesterol
Info on Cholesterol levels can be confusing. Good cholesterol is better than bad cholesterol - and then there are lipids, fatty acids and other terms that can be confusing. If you don't understand it all, you're in the same boat as most people! There's lots of information but what's fact and what's fiction?
It pays to study everything, so you know what's true and what's false.
True or False: Only the elderly get high cholesterol.
Absolutely false! You get high cholesterol when you're in your 20's. Experts recommend you to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly. If your family has a history of heart disease and or you don't exercise enough and eat a poor diet, you are at risk of heart disease. You should have regular cholesterol testing at least every five to seven years to prevent the risk of heart problems and to avoid possible complications in the future.
True or False: I am almost never sick and I exercise regularly, so I shouldn't have high cholesterol levels or heart problems.
Even if your cholesterol is too high, you may not show any symptoms. Even if you exercise regularly, you may still have cholesterol problems. There are many other factors, like diet, age, weight, family history, gender, and other factors.
True or False: Taking vitamin C and vitamin E, known anti-oxidants, will prevent any cholesterol problems.
False! There are no guarantees! There are many factors that affect Cholesterol levels. Vitamins may help, but there are many other factors that can contribute. To reduce your cholesterol levels, start by eating a healthier diet and exercising more.
True or False: A glass of red wine daily with dinner will prevent heart disease.
Moderate amounts of red wine may increase HDL, known as good cholesterol, but alcohol has a lot of calories and might increase triglyceride levels, which may tax the liver and increase blood pressure.
True or False: Buy more health conscious products with lower cholesterol.
No. Some products may have low or no cholesterol, but they may have saturated fats.
True or False: Don't try to lower cholesterol levels.
It's true that the liver produces Cholesterol, which it uses for some functions, and if you start exercising and living a healthier lifestyle, the changes may lower your cholesterol levels.
True or False: Overweight always have high cholesterol.
Not always true, but it often is true. Many people have cholesterol problems and don't know it. Always consider a healthier diet and more exercise, so you can live a longer and healthier life.
