The worst foods that increase cholesterol
In an interview with Make It magazine, American cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas revealed four foods that may be responsible for hypercholesterolemia, in other words, an increase in bad cholesterol. In this sense, it offers alternative solutions to reduce this bad cholesterol.
One in five adults has a “bad” cholesterol level of more than 1.6 grams per liter of blood, or 20% of the population according to Public Health France. This type of cholesterol, also known as HDL (low-intensity) cholesterol, is the most atherogenic fraction of cholesterol, i.e. it produces atheroma, plaques made up of lipids that attach to the internal wall. arteries according to Doctissimo. Excess HDL cholesterol, also called hypercholesterolemia “is, therefore, with arterial hypertension, obesity and diabetes, one of the main cardiovascular risk factors”, explains SPF. It is important to differentiate HDL cholesterol from LDL (High Intensity) – the “good” cholesterol – which allows it to eliminate excess cholesterol present in the blood.
The best way to prevent or treat high cholesterol naturally is through diet. In this sense, the American cardiologist Elizabeth Klodas revealed in an interview with Make It magazine and relayed by Pourquoi Docteur, the four foods that can promote hypercholesterolemia and the cardiovascular diseases that result from it, while proposing alternative solutions.
Red and processed meat
In her Top 4, the cardiologist highlights red meat as an aggravating factor in hypercholesterolemia. Steak, ribs and chops should be limited to one consumption per week. On the other hand, processed meats such as bacon, hot dogs and salami – classified as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization because of sodium and saturated fat – are to be banned, except on rare occasions.
If you can’t do without meat, Elizabeth Klodas suggests choosing lean meat, without overdoing it: “Remember that poultry also contains saturated fats, and avoiding red meat does not mean necessarily that you have to stuff yourself with chicken,” she explains. The best alternative is actually found in white-fleshed fish like halibut, cod or sea bass, and shellfish: “Shrimp may be high in cholesterol, but as long as you don’t drizzle it with they will provide you with plenty of protein while leaving your blood cholesterol alone.”
Fries and sweets
In addition to meat, the cardiologist points out anything fried, which is often too high in calories and therefore risky. Instead, she suggests cooking the potatoes in water rather than oil. Same for cabbage or broccoli. “You can also invest in a deep fryer, which uses a lot less fat,” she adds.
Unsurprisingly, cookies, cakes and pastries, synonymous with calories, fat and sugar, should be kept to a minimum. “They are the main culprits of hypercholesterolemia,” assures the cardiologist. The only solution is to cook yourself to control “the amount and type of fat and sugar you use”.
