Cholesterol is a type of fat that is necessary for the body to build cells, as well as to produce vitamins, hormones, and substances. Normally, the body can produce the cholesterol it needs from the liver and from the food we eat every day. Although cholesterol is necessary for the body, having too much cholesterol can become a detriment to our health.

Cholesterol contains both HDL Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol Good cholesterol This will help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke because good cholesterol helps carry harmful fats. In the blood vessels, it returns to the liver for elimination. As a result, overall cholesterol levels decrease.

The part to watch out for is bad cholesterol because it is cholesterol that causes the accumulation of fat along the walls of blood vessels to cause blockages. It can cause chronic non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease. This can be avoided by limiting the amount of foods that contain saturated and trans fats, such as:

• MeatDamn Red meat Such as pork, beef, lamb, and lard, etc.
• Various processed meats For example, sausages, sausages, sausages, pork sausages.
• Some vegetable fats For example, coconut oil, palm oil. Coconut milk
• Fast Food Pastries, ice cream Butter, cream, whipped cream
• Some high-cholesterol foods For example, animal offal. Seafood such as shellfish, squid, etc.

Therefore, maintaining both types of cholesterol levels at optimal levels is important. It is important to keep your body healthy, just modify your diet, focus on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat proteins from a variety of sources, especially fish and nuts. Canola oil Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, and most importantly, exercise regularly. 5 times a week, at least 30 minutes a day.

For those who have excess fat intake, they can plan together with the doctor and the Weight Management & Lifestyle Medicine team to maintain the risk of developing chronic diseases that are suitable for each individual's physical health.

Reference

• Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know. https://medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html
• Cholesterol Myths and Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/cholesterol/myths_facts.htm
• Cholesterol – healthy eating tips. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cholesterol-healthy-eating-tips