Debunking 6 Common Myths About Cholesterol

It's common for people to fear and demonize cholesterol because of what they heard about it. People immediately say cholesterol raises your risk of heart disease. But do you know cholesterol is also necessary for your body to make vitamin D, aid in food digestion, absorb vital nutrients, and perform other functions? Even though cholesterol plays a role in maintaining our overall health, there are still a lot of myths surrounding it. So, read this article to debunk 6 common myths about cholesterol.  

MYTH: Cholesterol is always bad for you

Fact: There are two different types of cholesterol in our body. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is one type. This "good" cholesterol eliminates a portion of the "bad" cholesterol in your body. Having a higher HDL cholesterol level in your body is a good thing. Low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol is the harming type. This "bad" cholesterol is caused by plaque accumulation in the walls of your arteries. A heart attack or stroke can happen to you from blood vessel blockage caused by an excessive amount of this plaque. Although a high LDL is alarming, be calm because a cardiologist or doctor can assist in lowering your levels. 

MYTH: You don’t have to worry about cholesterol levels if you're lean 

Fact: Cholesterol levels affect both skinny and overweight people equally. Top medical experts recommend taking cholesterol tests every four to six years for anyone over twenty. 

MYTH: Cholesterol can only be lowered only by medications

Fact: Keeping cholesterol levels within normal ranges requires leading a healthy lifestyle. A nutritious diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, increasing physical activity, and giving up smoking can help lower your cholesterol if you currently have high cholesterol or are at risk of developing high cholesterol. Some people will have high cholesterol despite their efforts to alter their lifestyle. But they can get doctor-recommend cholesterol-lowering medicines to stay healthy.  

MYTH: Cholesterol only comes from your food

Fact: Your liver naturally produces cholesterol, although it can also come from some meat items you eat, like meat, fish, eggs, and whole milk. Some people can have increased cholesterol levels due to their liver producing it in excess. If you are one of those people, you might have elevated cholesterol levels despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. But don’t worry! They can still control it with diet.  

MYTH: High cholesterol doesn’t affect children 

Fact: Familial hypercholesterolemia is a hereditary condition that causes elevated cholesterol levels. This condition also increases the risk of heart disease in children. To find out if you should get your child tested for cholesterol, speak with your pediatrician. Additionally, early adoption of a healthy diet and lifestyle can help all children lower their chance of developing cardiac problems in the future. 

MYTH: Eating eggs causes high cholesterol

Fact: You don't have to avoid eggs as long as you eat them in moderation. Top medical professionals today suggest limiting your daily intake of cholesterol from food to no more than 300 mg. Up to 200 mg, or more than two-thirds of the necessary amount, can be found in eggs. But your body will do the job of removing the extra. An increase in food intake causes your body to create less cholesterol, which lowers the level of cholesterol in your blood. 

Facts about cholesterol 

Final thoughts 

These facts about cholesterol will help you better manage your heart health. Remember that adults should have their cholesterol examined every three years because elevated cholesterol doesn't show any symptoms. Adopt heart-healthy habits like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and regular heart screening.