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Writer's pictureMichelle Schirra

CHOLESTEROL - BLOOD VS. FOOD



Do you know the difference between the cholesterol floating around in your blood and the cholesterol in your food... Well, if not, you aren't alone!  And it can be kinda confusing...


First, let's briefly talk about BLOOD cholesterol... It is a fat-like substance that your body makes on its own...and It circulates around in the blood.  I am sure you have heard about the "good" cholesterol or HDL's.  I call it the "happy" cholesterol.  This is a kind of cholesterol we produce when exercising and can actually lower your risk for heart disease and stroke in high levels and in some cases, improve memory loss.  So, HIT THE GYM you guys.  Get that cardiovascular work going!  The higher your good cholesterol, the better your cognitive function could be.


Now, LDL's are a different story... and this is the cholesterol your doctor or myself will work with you to reduce if it's elevated.  These are large & small particles floating around in the blood and can put you at risk for heart issues if not addressed.  Lifestyle and diet changes are needed to reduce this number. Keep in mind, genetics do play a part!  


The cholesterol your body produces is very crucial to your overall health.  It is required for the production of hormones, vitamin D, fat digestion... and for brain health.  Abnormal cholesterol metabolism can be linked to some Alzheimer's (AD), Parkinson''s diseases (PD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). 


Dietary cholesterol is not made by the body and is found in the foods we eat. It is mainly in animal based foods like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs (yolks) and  dairy products.  Now, I think many of us believe that the cholesterol in our foods raises our LDL's (bad cholesterol) but this is not necessarily true.  What actually raises these levels is the saturated fat content.  Many meats, of course, like bacon and steak have saturated fats.  But, not all sources of dietary cholesterol foods have high saturated fats.  Many of your proteins are lower in fats and are a great source of amino acids and very good health benefits. 


Here are some foods that have caused some controversy when it comes to cholesterol... especially when your LDL's are elevated:


1) EGGS:  Many people have been told by the cardiologist to avoid eggs, especially the yolk, since that is where the cholesterol is located.  However, the yolks are low in saturated fat so you should be fine eating them if you are following a heart healthy diet.  One whole egg only contains about 1.5 grams of saturated fat.  My suggestion is to not eat more than 7 yolks a week.  

2). SHELLFISH:  (I love shellfish) like shrimp which contains very high levels of dietary cholesterol BUT minimal saturated fat.  About 7-8 medium shrimp only contain 1 gram of saturated fat. 

3). BUTTER: This food or spread is not recommended if your LDL's are elevated. It's saturated fat content can be very high.  Alternatives could be olive or coconut oil BUT there is still some controversy about coconut due to it's high saturated fat content. 

4). RED MEAT:  Well, I have always been anti-red meat for overall health... and many studies (although may not be conclusive but very strong connection) with red meat and heart health risks.  Most contain a good amount of saturated fats but of course, there are many types and kinds of "red meat" so do your own homework if you like to eat it!!  


Well, these are just a few common foods that you might want to take a look at especially if you are struggling with lowering your cholesterol!


A side note... I have many clients who have gone on my Anti-Inflammatory protocol and have reduced their blood cholesterol numbers significantly!! 


I hope this helps and I find you all healthy & having a great summer so far!


As always you mean the world to me!!


xoxo

Michelle 

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