Does Cow’s Milk Have Cholesterol?

Whole cow’s milk has 149 calories and 24 milligrams of cholesterol in an 8-ounce serving.

Milk comes not just from cows (and, to a lesser degree, from goats), but also from plant-based sources such as soybeans, almonds, rice, and coconuts. Dairy milk from a cow is available in different varieties of fat content, and plant-based milk has varying amounts of calories and cholesterol well.

Consuming high amounts of cholesterol and calories can lead to health problems, especially heart disease. Research suggests that for most people, a moderate intake of cow’s milk does not have an adverse effect on cardiovascular health. Learn more about your different milk choices and their nutrients, including cholesterol.

Jamie Grill Tetra Images / Getty Images

What Type of Milk Is Best for Me?

Perhaps the most important basic fact you should know is that whole milk, which is dairy milk from which no fat has been removed, has more calories, fat, and cholesterol than any other form of milk. Other important factors to consider include:

• Periods of growth and development have specific nutritional requirements. Pregnant women, children over age 2 years, and teenagers need the protein, calcium, and vitamin D that are abundant in dairy milk.
• People who need to limit their cholesterol intake (for example, those who are trying to lose weight or are following a heart-healthy diet), should consider fat-free cow’s milk or other, nondairy, forms of milk.

So how do you decide which form of milk to use? You should consider their different nutrition profiles, suitability based on your dietary needs and/or allergy concerns, (nut allergy or milk allergy), and health benefits.

The information here can help you make your choice. If the taste is important to you, you can try them all as you decide.

Dairy (Cow’s) Milk Is Traditional and Tasty

No doubt you’re familiar with the varieties of dairy milk available: whole milk has 3% or more saturated fat, and you can also find 2% fat milk, 1% fat milk, and nonfat milk.

Whole milk increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) good cholesterol in the body more than skim milk does, but the effect on low-density lipoprotein (LDL) bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the body is the same for whole milk and skim milk.

Whole milk. Cow’s milk with none of the fat removed contains the highest amount of dietary cholesterol compared to reduced-fat milk. It has 149 calories and 8 grams of fat per cup, 8.5% nonfat milk solids, and 88% water. In addition to its high-fat content (3%), whole milk is high in natural proteins, vitamin D, and calcium.

Fat-removed dairy milk. Milk containing 1% and 2% fat is known as “reduced-fat” milk, and nonfat or fat-free milk is commonly called skim milk.

Lactose-free milk. This is dairy milk processed to break down lactose, a natural sugar found in milk products. If you have lactose intolerance, you may need to use this type of milk. Lactose-free milk comes in the same fat content varieties as regular dairy milk and has the same nutritional profile.

When it comes to lowering your cholesterol level, the less saturated fat you consume, the better.

Almond Milk Is a Nutty Alternative

Made from ground almonds, almond milk is naturally lactose-free, has no saturated fat, and is low in calories compared with other milk. But while almonds are high in protein, almond milk isn’t, and it’s not a good source of calcium, either—although many brands are supplemented with calcium and vitamin D.

Note: If you’re allergic to any kind of nut, you should avoid drinking almond milk.

Soy Milk Is Popular With Vegans

As you may know, soy milk is made from soybeans. Naturally, lactose- and cholesterol-free, soy milk is a good source of protein, potassium, vitamins A, D, and B12, and (when supplemented) calcium. It’s also low in saturated fat and comparable in calories to skim milk.

Note: Some clinical research suggests that higher intakes of soy-based foods may cause fertility problems.

Rice Milk Is Least Likely to Trigger Allergies

Made from milled rice and water, rice milk is the least allergenic of all of the milk, so it can be a good choice for people who are lactose intolerant or have nut allergies. It’s not a good source of calcium or vitamin D unless it’s supplemented with these nutrients.

Rice milk is very low in protein and very high in carbohydrates, which is an important consideration for people with diabetes.

Coconut Milk Is High in Nutrition and a Healthy Type of Fat

You may be surprised to learn that coconuts are classified as fruits, not nuts, so most people with allergies to nuts can drink coconut milk without having an allergic reaction. If you have a nut allergy, however, it’s best to check with your doctor before starting to eat or drink products containing coconut.

Coconuts are rich in fiber and contain many important nutrients including vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6, and minerals such as iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Coconuts also contain a lot of saturated fat, which can be harmful for some people.

Note: The fat in coconuts can contribute to the development of heart disease. If you have heart disease or risk factors for it, check with your doctor about consuming coconut-containing products.

New Research Says Drinking Milk Is Not Linked to High Cholesterol

Key Takeaways

• Having high cholesterol can lead to chronic health problems, but your diet and lifestyle choices can help lower your levels.
• A new study has provided more evidence that milk is not linked to high cholesterol.
• Milk’s unique nutritional components can make it part of a heart-healthy diet.

Having elevated cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions, but there are some lifestyle changes that you can make to help keep your levels under control.

Thinking about what you eat and drink is one place to start if you’re looking to lower your cholesterol. According to a new study that included close to two million people, regular consumption of milk is not associated with an increase in cholesterol.

Researchers have looked at whether certain types of milk affect cardiovascular health before, but studies investigating general milk consumption’s role on blood cholesterol levels have been limited.

To find answers to that question, the researchers behind the latest study evaluated data from large meta-analyses that included health outcomes. 

Genetics Determine How Your Body Reacts to Milk

Elina Hyppönen, a professor in Nutritional and Genetic Epidemiology at the University of South Australia and an investigator on the study, tells Verywell that the study’s findings “suggest that milk can be a part of a balanced heart-healthy diet.”

Dairy milk is a complex food, and its role in heart health depends on several variables. For the new study, the researchers used genetic factors to determine whether there could be a potential link between a person’s milk intake and their cholesterol levels.  

Some people have a hard time digesting lactose, the sugar naturally found in milk. The body relies on an enzyme called lactase to break the sugar down. Certain genetic factors can affect how well the body digests milk.

People who are lactose intolerant may have digestive symptoms when they consume dairy products, which may lead them to drink less milk. By looking at specific genetic factors like this one, the researchers were able to figure out whether people were more or less likely to drink milk.

Results

The study’s findings, which were published in the International Journal of Obesity, show that people with the genetic factors needed to break down lactase had lower levels of both HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol compared to people who did not have milk-digesting genes.

The researchers proposed that people who are able to digest milk well are more likely to drink milk than people who do not digest it as well. In fact, the odds of consuming milk were higher among people who had the gene for breaking down lactose than people who did not have the gene.

Researchers then made a connection between milk intake and cholesterol levels: The people with the gene for digesting lactose drank more milk and had lower cholesterol levels than people who did not have the gene and, presumably, drank less milk.

Other Key Findings

There were several other key findings from the study:

• People who had the lactose-digesting gene also had a slightly higher body mass index (BMI) than people who did not have the gene.
• People who drank more milk had a 14% lower risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD) than people who drank less milk.
• No direct link between milk intake and type 2 diabetes was found.

Limitations

Although the study was large, it was not an intervention trial. Therefore, a definitive causal relationship between milk intake and cholesterol levels cannot be assumed.

More research is needed, but if you’re looking to make evidence-backed changes to your diet, past studies have also highlighted milk’s heart-health benefits. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicated that certain dairy fats, including whole milk, might be protective against stroke and heart disease.

Lainey Younkin, MS, RD, LDN, a Boston-based registered dietitian at Lainey Younkin Nutrition, tells Verywell that milk can be a healthful addition to your diet because it “contains essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin A, protein, calcium, B vitamins, including vitamin B12, and minerals like magnesium and selenium.”

Younkin adds that drinking milk can fill key nutrient gaps—especially magnesium and calcium, which may play a role in heart health.

Including Milk in a Heart-Healthy Diet

Milk has unique nutritional components that no other food can match. The researchers think that some of these factors might be why milk can have heart-health benefits.

• The calcium and lactose found in milk may enhance calcium absorption—a factor that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels.
• Milk drinkers may consume less fat overall compared to people who cannot break down the lactose sugar. Higher fat dairy products like butter and cheese typically contain less lactose; therefore, people who cannot break down the sugar may consume more of these higher-calorie foods.
• The sugars found in milk can be fermented in the gut, which can lower cholesterol formation rates. 

Drinking more milk may lower cholesterol levels, risk for CVD

Source/Disclosures

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Disclosures:
The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.

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Drinking more milk is associated with lower cholesterol levels and could reduce the risk for coronary artery disease, according to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity.

“Higher milk intake was associated with greater body fat, but lower cholesterol levels and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease,” Elina Hypponen, PhD, director of the Australian Centre for Precision Health at the University of South Australia, told Healio. “On balance, this suggests that milk can be a part of a balanced heart-healthy diet.”

Hypponen is director of the Australian Centre for Precision Health at the University of South Australia.

Hypponen and colleagues conducted a Mendelian randomization study of people with a lactase persistence genotype to examine associations between milk consumption and cardiometabolic parameters. Data were obtained from three large-scale population-based studies. Most of the people included in the study were part of the UK Biobank (n = 404,648), with participants also coming from the Health Retirement Study (n = 8,520) and the 1958 British Birth Cohort (n = 5,672). Anthropometric data and biomarkers were obtained from each of the studies. Milk consumption was measured based on questions in the 1958 British Birth Cohort and the UK Biobank. Researchers used summary statistics from other consortia-based studies to conduct a meta-analysis.

Milk consumption linked to lower cholesterol

Study participants who were T-allele carriers of the lactase persistence gene variant were more likely to consume milk compared with participants with CC homozygotes in both the 1958 British Birth Cohort study (OR = 2.14; 95% CI, 1.57-2.93; P = 1.68 x 10^–6) and the UK Biobank (OR = 1.21; 95% CI, 1.09-1.34; P = 3 x 10^–4).

In the UK Biobank, high milk intake was associated with a higher BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic BP, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides and C-reactive protein and lower levels of HDL cholesterol and HbA1c. No associations between high milk intake and cardiometabolic traits were observed in the 1958 British Birth Cohort. Meta-analysis of data from both studies shows an association between high milk intake and lower HDL cholesterol (P = 2.7 x 10^–6), high triglycerides (P = .001) and higher C-reactive protein (P = 2.6 x 10^–30).

In meta-analysis of the three population-based studies and the consortia-based studies, T-allele carriers of the lactase persistence gene variant who drank more milk had a higher BMI (P = 4.68 x 10^–12), lower LDL-cholesterol (P = 2.08 x 10^–26), HDL cholesterol (P = 9.4 x 10^–13) and total cholesterol (P = 2.38 x 10^–36). Mendelian randomization analysis also confirmed a causal association of high milk intake with higher BMI (P = 3.6 x 10^–5), lower LDL cholesterol (P = 3.6 x 10^–6), lower total cholesterol (P = 1. 9 x 10^–6) and lower HDL cholesterol (P = 3 x 10^–5).

“Even if higher milk intake was associated with greater adiposity, it also led to lower cholesterol concentrations and lower CVD risk,” Hypponen said. “This might be explained by milk calcium, which helps to increase lipase activity. Lipases are the enzymes that break down fats within our body and can help to reduce CVD by lowering the levels of cholesterol.”

Drinking more milk may lower CAD odds

In the UK Biobank, drinking more milk was associated with a lower risk for type 2 diabetes (OR = 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82-0.97; P = .007), but no association was observed in the Diabetes Genetics Replication and Meta-analysis (DIAGRAM) consortium. No association between milk consumption and CAD was found in the UK Biobank, but data from the Coronary Artery Disease Genome-wide Replication and Meta-analysis (CARDIOGRAM) consortium showed drinking more milk reduced the odds for CAD (OR = 0. 86; 95% CI, 0.75-0.99; P = .03).

“Our studies suggest that milk can be a part of a heart-healthy diet, but large-scale intervention studies would be required before changes in dairy consumption could be recommended for the prevention of CVD,” Hypponen said.

For more information:

Elina Hypponen, PhD, can be reached at [email protected].

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No link between milk and increased cholesterol according to new study of 2 million people — ScienceDaily

Regular consumption of milk is not associated with increased levels of cholesterol, according to new research.

A study published in the International Journal of Obesity looked at three large population studies and found that people who regularly drank high amounts of milk had lower levels of both good and bad cholesterol, although their BMI levels were higher than non-milk drinkers. Further analysis of other large studies also suggests that those who regularly consumed milk had a 14% lower risk of coronary heart disease.

The team of researchers took a genetic approach to milk consumption by looking at a variation in the lactase gene associated with digestion of milk sugars known as lactose.

The study identified that having the genetic variation where people can digest lactose was a good way for identifying people who consumed higher levels of milk.

Prof Vimal Karani, Professor of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics at the University of Reading said:

“We found that among participants with a genetic variation that we associated with higher milk intake, they had higher BMI, body fat, but importantly had lower levels of good and bad cholesterol. We also found that those with the genetic variation had a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease. All of this suggests that reducing the intake of milk might not be necessary for preventing cardiovascular diseases.”

The new research was conducted following several contradictory studies that have previously investigated the causal link between higher dairy intake and cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. To account for inconsistencies in sampling size, ethnicity and other factors, the team conducted a meta-analysis of data in up to 1.9 million people and used the genetic approach to avoid confounding.

Even though the UK biobank data showed that those with the lactase genetic variation had 11% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, the study did not suggest that there is any strong evidence for a link between higher milk intake and increased likelihood of diabetes or its related traits such as glucose and inflammatory biomarkers.

Professor Karani said:

“The study certainly shows that milk consumption is not a significant issue for cardiovascular disease risk even though there was a small rise in BMI and body fat among milk drinkers. What we do note in the study is that it remains unclear whether it is the fat content in dairy products that is contributing to the lower cholesterol levels or it is due to an unknown ‘milk factor’.”

The team from the University of Reading, University of South Australia, Southern Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, University College London, and University of Auckland worked together on the study.

Story Source:

Materials provided by University of Reading. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

4 ways to eat your way to lower cholesterol

Many people can lower cholesterol levels simply by changing what they eat. For example, if you are a fan of cheeseburgers, eating less meat (and leaner cuts) and more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can lower your total cholesterol by 25% or more. Cutting back on saturated fat (found in meat and dairy products) and trans fat (partially hydrogenated oils) can reduce cholesterol by 5% to 10%.

Here are four steps for using your diet to lower cholesterol.

1. Stick with unsaturated fats and avoid saturated and trans fats. Most vegetable fats (oils) are made up of unsaturated fats that are healthy for your heart. Foods that contain healthy fats include oily fish, nuts, seeds, and some vegetables. At the same time, limit your intake of foods high in saturated fat, which is found in many meat and dairy products, and stay away from trans fats. These include any foods made with partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
2. Get more soluble fiber. Eat more soluble fiber, such as that found in oatmeal and fruits. This type of fiber can lower blood cholesterol levels when eaten as part of a healthy-fat diet.
3. Include plant sterols and stanols in your diet. These naturally occurring plant compounds are similar in structure to cholesterol. When you eat them, they help limit the amount of cholesterol your body can absorb. Plant sterols and stanols are found in an increasing number of food products such as spreads, juices, and yogurts.
4. Find a diet that works for you. When a friend or relative tells you how much his or her cholesterol level dropped after trying a particular diet, you may be tempted to try it yourself. If you do, and after a few months you discover that you’re not getting the same benefits, you may need to chalk it up to genetic and physiological differences. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for cholesterol control. You may need to try several approaches to find one that works for you.

Although diet can be a simple and powerful way to improve cholesterol levels, it plays a bigger role for some people than for others. Don’t be discouraged if you have followed a diet but not reached your goal blood level. Keep it up. Even if you do end up needing medication to keep your cholesterol in check, you likely will need less than if you didn’t make any dietary changes.

For more on lowering cholesterol, read Managing Your Cholesterol, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.

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Full fat milk improves cholesterol levels

A three-week crossover study shows that drinking full fat, whole milk led to improved cholesterol levels compared to drinking skimmed milk.
For decades, skimmed and semi-skimmed milk has been advised as a way of reducing weight and helping to prevent heart disease. However, these guidelines were introduced before rigorous research was carried out to see if the theory was true.
In recent years, research has been carried out to test whether eating low fat has scientific validity. So far, the research suggests that full fat dairy is no worse than low fat dairy and may be healthier. Previous studies have shown full fat dairy to be associated with lower risks of type 2 diabetes, for example.
In the new study, researchers from the University of Copenhagen tested the effects of having 500ml per day of either skimmed milk or whole milk for three weeks and then repeating the test with the other type of milk. The study was randomised so that some participants started with skimmed milk whereas others started with the whole milk first.
Cholesterol tests were taken to measure how the different types of milk affected blood lipids such as LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. 18 healthy adults took part in the study and all but one completed it.
The results of the study showed that LDL cholesterol did not differ significantly between the two types of milk. However, whole milk was shown to increase the level of HDL cholesterol which reflects a healthier effect on cholesterol levels.
The findings provide more evidence that low fat foods are not advantageous and that full fat dairy is likely to be the healthier choice.
For up to date guidance on healthy eating for diabetes, join the award-winning Low Carb Program. The program will guide you through making healthy food choices that help to improve your diabetes, help with weight management and can help reduce to reduce dependence on medication.
The study is published online of the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Eating to beat cholesterol – Your Family Doctors

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is carried around the body in the blood. Contrary to popular belief, the body produces most cholesterol naturally, and it is found in some foods. When your doctor first mentions that your cholesterol levels are too high, many people are in shock. However, between 2011-2012 over one third of Australians aged eighteen and over had high cholesterol, which means you are most definitely not alone. High blood cholesterol is a risk factor for developing heart disease which kills one Australian every 12 minutes. For this reason some doctors may suggest starting a medication, while others may trial a three to six-month lifestyle intervention including changes to diet. We now know that it is possible to lower your blood cholesterol levels by making changes to your diet which may mean you can avoid, or at the very least reduce your reliance on medication. But before you start saying goodbye to milk, cheese and eggs, have a read of our five top tips to lower your cholesterol through diet.

Here are our top tips for lowering your cholesterol

1. Go easy on the grog

It makes sense that drinking too much alcohol may raise your blood cholesterol levels as alcohol is filtered through your liver, the same place where cholesterol is made. If your liver is too busy filtering the bottle of wine you have polished every night, it doesn’t have much spare time or energy to deal with your cholesterol. Excessive alcohol intakes can also increase your triglyceride levels, another harmful blood fat as well as increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, raise blood pressure and contribute to weight gain around the abdomen. Consider a minimum on two alcohol free days and reduce your intake on drinking days.

2. Eat more (healthy) fats

Poly and monounsaturated fats can help lower levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol and increase levels of good cholesterol (HDL). They also have the potential to lower triglyceride levels, reduce blood pressure and impve blood vessel function and delay the build of fat in the arteries. These include oily fish such as tuna, mackerel and cod, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, olives, unsalted and raw nuts, nut spreads such as natural peanut butter and seeds such as chia seeds, flaxseeds

3. Eat less saturated fat

Go easy on saturated fat found in fatty cuts of meat, chicken skin, processed meat (e.g. bacon, salami, burgers, sausages), fatty or deep-fried takeaway foods, pastry, palm oil, large amounts of coconut oil and coconut milk and cream and consume full-fat dairy in moderation. If you’re someone who only has full cream milk with their cereal and a couple of slices of cheese, then don’t stress about switching to low-fat. If you’re a dairy lover and consume copious amounts of it, it may be a good idea to cut back or switch to a low-fat variety.

4. Go easy on the sugar

Limiting your intake of added sugars such as those found in cakes, biscuits, lollies, chocolate and sugar-sweetened beverages such as soft-drink and energy drinks will not only improve your heart health but also your overall health. Don’t stress out about your 1-2 teaspoons of sugar in your morning coffee or banana at morning tea, we are talking about the large amounts of added sugar found in processed foods. Before you go to grab the sugar substitute, chemical and artificial sweeteners such as equal are just as bad for your overall health.

5. Make fibre your friend

Fibre acts like a mop in the body and helps to lower levels of harmful cholesterol. Include a variety of soluble and insoluble fibre found in fruits, vegetables, legumes such as chickpeas, black-beans and lentils, barley, psyllium husk and wholegrain products such as good quality seeded bread, wholegrain pasta and quinoa.

6. Add plant sterols

Plant sterols and stanols are naturally occurring compounds found in small amounts in plant foods such nuts, seeds and legumes, vegetable oils, breads and cereals, fruits and vegetables. They block the body from absorbing cholesterol which in turn lowers the levels of cholesterol circulating in the blood. They have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels by up to 10-15% when consumed as part of a healthy diet. You need to consume 2-3 grams per day in order to lower cholesterol which means you will need to consume products fortified with plant sterols to achieve this amount. This is equivalent to;

• 2 x cholesterol lowering weetbix
• 1 tablespoon of cholesterol lowering margarine such as Flora Pro-activ or Logicol
• 500-750mL of heart active milk

7. Get moving

Exercise helps to lower levels of bad cholesterol and increase levels of good cholesterol. Plus its fantastic for reducing stress, improving mood, lowering blood pressure and boosting metabolism. Aim for 30 minutes per day.

Diet with high blood cholesterol

Elevated blood cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is one of the risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. In the presence of this problem, an increased level of cholesterol in the blood occurs. The diet should provide the body with the maximum amount of elements useful for it. It is important to significantly limit those foods that supply cholesterol to the body. According to nutritionists, there should be about twenty different foods in the diet, with the help of which the body will receive the nutrients it needs in full.

The first thing to do is to limit the intake of saturated fat that is ingested with animal products. It is necessary to take polyunsaturated fats, which are of vegetable origin, as the basis of the diet, since with their help in the body, the level of harmful cholesterol is reduced. Fish oil and oily fish are only welcome in the diet.

Meat should only be in the diet of lean varieties, so all fat should be cut off before cooking. By-products, that is, brains, kidneys and liver, are subject to serious restrictions, and salami, bacon, smoked meats and sausages cannot be eaten. These foods contain cholesterol.

It is recommended to drink milk with a fat content of 1-2%, but fatty dairy products such as cheese, butter, cream and fatty cottage cheese are undesirable. The consumption of eggs is reduced to four pieces daily, but it must be borne in mind that there is no cholesterol in the egg white.

When choosing bakery products, priority should be given to varieties made from coarse flour or with the addition of bran.Pastries should not get into the diet, since the dough for them is kneaded using products that contain cholesterol.

Cereals will be of great benefit, therefore they should be found in the patient’s menu, and when preparing them, it is allowed to use low-fat milk. With moderate alcohol consumption, protection and slowing of the progression of atherosclerosis can be achieved. At the same time, it is impossible to exceed the alcohol rate equal to 20 ml of pure alcohol, which is contained in 330 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine or 40 ml of vodka. The alcohol consumption rate for women is cut in half. It should be borne in mind that alcohol should not be consumed in the presence of pathologies of the cardiovascular system.

Green tea will also help cleanse the vessels. According to scientists, if you stop drinking coffee, you can achieve a reduction in cholesterol content by 17% at once. Nuts contribute to getting rid of cholesterol plaques. At the same time, nuts have a high calorie content, therefore, they should not be abused, as body weight may increase.

Priority should be given to vegetables and legumes, as well as fruits, since all these foods provide the body with a range of minerals and vitamins, as well as fiber, which effectively removes cholesterol from the body.

The diet can also include mussels, scallops and shellfish other than shrimp, as well as other well-known seafood. Food should be steamed, baked, or boiled.

Nutritionist named foods that “kill” bad cholesterol

To maintain normal cholesterol levels, it is not necessary to take medication, it is enough to follow the recommendations of doctors.

Cholesterol is a building material that promotes the production of substances important for the body. However, with an increased level of cholesterol, the risk of developing diseases of the heart, blood vessels and circulatory system increases. Why does an excess of this seemingly useful substance threaten us with such serious consequences? The fact is that it is of two types. “Good” cholesterol cleans the surface of blood vessels from harmful substances and toxins, and “bad” cholesterol clogs blood vessels and narrows arteries.If “good” cholesterol is important for the functioning of the body, then “bad” cholesterol should be eliminated as soon as possible, this is their main difference. But how can this be done? This was told by the British doctor Deborah Lee .

Investigate the cause

We get some amount of cholesterol with food, the specialist recalled, therefore, in order to lower the level of the “bad” substance in the blood, it is necessary to change the habits in the diet. But there are situations when kidney disease, hypothyroidism, obesity, anorexia nervosa, as well as smoking, drinking a lot of intoxicating drinks and an excessive amount of fatty, salty and sweet foods in the diet become the causes of excess cholesterol.The doctor will help to find the origins of this misfortune, sign up for a consultation with a specialist, because it is important to understand which particular reason contributed to the increased cholesterol content in the blood.

However, there is not always a need for medication. To maintain normal cholesterol levels, you must follow the general guidelines established by doctors.

Cut Fat 90,023

According to the expert, some foods raise blood cholesterol levels, such as fatty meats, sausages, pastries, cheeses and desserts.Accordingly, they must be eliminated from the diet or reduced in consumption in order to maintain health for many years. Cholesterol “killers” – milk and foods high in unsaturated fats and fiber – will help to get rid of the substance harmful to the body.

The dietitian says that by reducing the amount of fatty acids to a minimum or replacing saturated fats with unsaturated ones, you will normalize blood cholesterol levels. You can find them in the following products:

Eat the right food

What’s more, you will be enriching your body with nutrients if you start consuming unrefined, high-fiber whole grains.These include:

• black bread,

• brown rice,

• unpeeled pasta.

According to the expert’s recommendations, in order to significantly reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood, you must include in your diet foods that contain stanols and sterols:

• milk,

• yoghurts,

• spreads.

When consumed from 1.2 to 2.4 grams. With these foods a day, you will help reduce cholesterol levels by 10 percent, concluded Deborah Lee.

90,000 Scientists have not found a link between milk and high cholesterol levels

According to a new study, regular consumption
milk is not associated with high cholesterol levels, writes
eurekalert.org.

In a study published in the International Journal of Obesity,
three large population studies were considered and
found that people who regularly drank large amounts
milk had lower levels of both good and bad
cholesterol, although their BMI was higher than that of non-milk drinkers.Further analysis of other major studies also shows
that those who regularly consume milk are at risk of ischemic
heart disease is 14% lower.

The research team applied a genetic approach to
milk consumption by studying the change in the lactase gene associated with
digesting milk sugar known as lactose.

The study showed that the presence of genetic variation, with
which people can digest lactose was a good way
identifying people consuming more milk.

Professor Vimal Karani, Professor of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics
University of Reading, said: “We found that among
participants with genetic variation that we have associated with
higher milk intake, they had a higher BMI,
body fat, but importantly, there were lower levels
good and bad cholesterol. We also found that
participants with genetic variation were significantly more
low risk of coronary heart disease. All this suggests
that reducing milk intake may not be necessary to
prevention of cardiovascular diseases ”.

The new study comes after several controversial
studies that previously examined the causal relationship between
increased consumption of dairy products and
cardiometabolic diseases such as obesity and
diabetes. To account for discrepancies in sample size, ethnic
affiliation and other factors, the team conducted a meta-analysis
data on 1.9 million people and used genetic
approach to avoid confusion.

Despite the fact that data from the British biobank showed that
people with genetic variability in lactase, the risk of developing diabetes
Type 2 was 11% lower, the study did not show that they exist
strong evidence of a link between higher
milk consumption and an increased likelihood of diabetes or
associated diabetes for symptoms such as glucose and
biomarkers of inflammation.

Professor Karani said: “The study definitely shows
that milk consumption is not a significant problem for
risk of cardiovascular disease, even though
increase in BMI and body fat among milk drinkers. What we
really note in the study is what remains
it is unclear whether the fat content of dairy products affects
a decrease in cholesterol levels or is it due to an unknown
“Milk factor”.

[Photo: ru.123rf.com/profile_summer78]

90,000 What you need to know about atherosclerosis, cholesterol and the rules of a healthy lifestyle

What is atherosclerosis and how is it dangerous

Almost everyone now knows that cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of disability and death in a person’s most productive age. At the heart of cardiovascular diseases is damage to the walls of blood vessels by ATHEROSCLEROSIS. People with heart blood vessels affected by atherosclerosis suffer from severe pain behind the sternum – angina pectoris, which often ends with myocardial infarction – death of the heart muscle. Atherosclerosis can affect the blood vessels that carry blood to the brain – then brain disorders develop, up to a cerebral stroke – necrosis of brain tissue.

It happens that atherosclerosis affects the vessels that carry blood to the muscles of the legs, then from unbearable pain a person cannot walk, and in the final stage gangrene develops.

In everyday life, there are two wrong opinions about atherosclerosis. One of them – in younger people, that atherosclerosis is not coming soon. Another – in older people, that I still have atherosclerosis and it is useless to resist it.

What are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and the most common of them – coronary heart disease

In large scientific epidemiological programs that have examined hundreds of thousands of people and followed them for decades, the existence of factors has been proven that greatly increase the likelihood of developing diseases associated with atherosclerosis at any age. They are called RISK FACTORS.

The most dangerous of them are: high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and smoking.They are followed by diabetes / high blood glucose and overweight – obesity. The action of one factor enhances the action of another, therefore their combination is especially dangerous. If you reduce the level of each risk factor, for example, lower blood cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, quit smoking, reduce excess weight, then the overall likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases will actually decrease, and the development of atherosclerosis will slow down. To the greatest extent, it has been proven to lower blood cholesterol levels.

What is cholesterol

Cholesterol – fat-like substance that is vital for humans. It is part of the membranes of all cells of the body, there is a lot of cholesterol in the nervous tissue, bile acids necessary for digestion and steroid hormones are formed from cholesterol.

More than enough cholesterol is formed in the body (in the liver) for all these needs. But a person also consumes it with food, and often in excess.Basically, fatty animal products are a source of cholesterol. If there are a lot of them in the diet, and there are few cholesterol-free vegetable oils, grains, vegetables and fruits, then the content of cholesterol in the blood increases, and it turns from a friend necessary for the body into a mortal enemy.

What are lipoproteins

Not all blood cholesterol is equally dangerous: sometimes people talk about “good” and “bad” cholesterol. But cholesterol as a substance is all the same, it is simply found in the blood in different spherical particles – complexes with other fat and protein molecules – they are called LIPOPROTEINS.One of them, low-density lipoproteins, carry cholesterol with blood to peripheral tissues from the liver, where it is synthesized. If there are too many of these particles or their breakdown is disturbed, a lot of cholesterol accumulates in the blood, it is deposited in the walls of blood vessels, and connective (scar) tissue grows around its deposits. This is how an ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE is formed, which narrows the lumen of the vessel and impedes blood flow. And then the cholesterol in the composition of low-density lipoproteins can be called “bad”.

Atherosclerotic plaques are different. The most malignant ones, with a large cholesterol nucleus and a thin cap of connective tissue, are called unstable. Such a plaque ruptures easily, opens up like an abscess into the lumen of the vessel. In response to this, the body tries to close the resulting damage with a blood clot. Often, a thrombus cannot stop growing and closes, like a cork, the entire lumen of the vessel. The blood flow stops, and the organ tissue dies off without oxygen and nutrient supply.If this happens in the heart, myocardial infarction develops, if in the brain – cerebral stroke. As can be seen from the above, the onset of such dangerous diseases is caused by an increased level of cholesterol, which is found in low-density lipoproteins. That is why it is called “bad”. In a detailed laboratory analysis of blood lipids (fats and fat-like substances), this indicator is abbreviated as LDL cholesterol.

But there are others in the blood – “good” lipid-protein complexes.They are called high density lipoproteins (HDL). HDL traps and removes cholesterol from the sites of its accumulation in the walls of blood vessels. By “cleansing” the vessels from excess cholesterol, HDL prevents atherosclerotic plaques from forming.

The higher the content of LDL cholesterol in the blood (cholesterol in “bad” complexes) and the lower the level of HDL cholesterol (cholesterol in “good” complexes), the faster atherosclerosis will develop.

Cardiologists around the world are of the opinion that everyone over 20 should know their cholesterol level.Moreover, it is necessary to make a blood test for “good” and “bad” cholesterol, ie. detailed analysis for lipids. There is a lipid clinic in our Center, so in the clinical diagnostic laboratory you can make a detailed analysis of the lipid profile, as well as consult a lipidologist, a specialist who will competently advise you based on the results of laboratory tests. Depending on the level of cholesterol and its distribution in the “bad” and “good” complexes, as well as according to the data of other examinations, the doctor decides on the need for dietary or drug correction and gives appropriate recommendations.It should be borne in mind that the price of drugs is not only the price of lowering cholesterol, but also the price of prolonging a person’s active life.

So, if cholesterol is elevated, it is dangerous as a factor contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and severe cardiovascular diseases.

How to lower the level of “bad” cholesterol

Blood cholesterol levels can be reduced. To do this, try to change your lifestyle:

• improve nutrition;
• quit smoking;
• move more.

Diet to lower cholesterol

• The basis of all cholesterol-lowering diets is reducing the consumption of saturated (solid) fats, especially animal fats (fatty meat, offal, butter, fatty dairy products, baked goods, etc. ) and replacing them with vegetable oils (sunflower, olive , corn).
• In moderate (limited) quantities, dairy products with a reduced fat content, low-fat cheeses (no more than 30% fat), lean meat, baked goods with vegetable fats, fried fish, fried potatoes only with vegetable fats are allowed.
• Eggs may only be eaten boiled or fried in vegetable oil (omelet).
• Use foods with reduced fat and cholesterol in your diet more often: wholemeal bread, whole grain breads, any cereals, pasta, low-fat dairy products, all kinds of vegetable dishes and fruits.
• From meat products, you should prefer chicken, turkey, veal. Remove fat and skin from poultry before cooking.
• Eat more fish, especially sea fish, you can enter 2 fish days a week or eat one fish dish every day.
• Prefer desserts without fat, without cream, without sugar, preferably fruit.
• Pay particular attention to the regular consumption of foods that lower cholesterol levels in the body and increase its excretion. They contain soluble fiber (pectin, psyllim, gluten) and, when cooked, form a jelly-like mass. These are oatmeal (rolled oats), apples, plums, various berries.
• Eat legumes (beans, peas) regularly.
• When preparing food, avoid frying in butter and animal fat, more often boil, simmer, bake.Use cookware with a special coating that does not require added fat for cooking.

Recommendations for the choice of food:

Careful adherence to the diet can reduce blood cholesterol by 10-12%.

Such a diet not only lowers the level of “bad” cholesterol, but also increases the level of “good” cholesterol.

If adherence to the diet for 6-8 weeks does not lead to the desired decrease in the level of total blood cholesterol (less than 5 mmol / l) and LDL cholesterol (less than 3 mmol / l), and the risk of developing diseases caused by atherosclerosis remains high, then the doctor will put the question of prescribing drugs that lower cholesterol.

There are many such drugs now. The main thing is not to self-medicate after listening to advertisements about miraculous and safe food additives.Of the food additives, only those that contain known food components that affect cholesterol, such as soluble fiber preparations, can work. However, their effectiveness is no higher than a well-established diet, they only help its effect.

Of the medications used to lower blood cholesterol levels, statins are most commonly prescribed by physicians. These drugs, in normal doses, lower cholesterol by 20-40%. Scientific studies have shown that statins not only lower blood cholesterol, but also alleviate the course of diseases caused by atherosclerosis, reduce mortality from cardiovascular diseases and overall mortality.With the help of special studies of the vessels of the heart, it was shown that treatment with statins slows down the growth of atherosclerotic plaques and even causes them to decrease.

Smoking cessation

It has been proven that both active smoking of a smoker and secondhand smoke of others increase the risk of developing many serious diseases, primarily oncological and cardiovascular diseases. Tobacco smoke contains a whole range of substances toxic to many organs and tissues (nicotine, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, carcinogenic substances).Nicotine, for example, disrupts the tone of the vascular wall and contributes to its damage, spasms, aggravates the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels. Carbon monoxide, combining with hemoglobin, blocks the transfer of oxygen to organs and tissues. The components of tobacco smoke contribute to the development of arterial hypertension, a violation in the system of transfer of cholesterol to the vessel walls, aggravating the deposition of cholesterol in them. There is a high total risk of developing CVD.

Adequate physical activity

Adequate physical activity is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle.The most affordable and fairly effective form of physical activity is brisk walking in the fresh air. You should do it 5 times a week, for 30-45 minutes (up to 2 hours). The heart rate should reach 65-70% of that which is achieved at the maximum load for a given age. The maximum heart rate for a particular person can be calculated using the formula: 220-age in years. For example, for a practically healthy person of 50 years of age, the maximum heart rate is 220-50 = 170 beats per minute, and the heart rate that is recommended to be achieved during training is 110-120 beats per minute.

Many people do not have enough time for training, then it is necessary to use any opportunities for movement during the working day and after. For example, people with sedentary occupations are encouraged to get up to make a phone call or throw trash in the trash bin, walk the stairs instead of taking the elevator, hold a short meeting while standing, etc.

The obtained results of large studies have shown that the combination of regular physical activity with a decrease in periods of prolonged sedentary work due to short breaks makes a complementary significant contribution to the prevention of heart and vascular diseases.

In the presence of diseases of the heart and blood vessels, the physician selects the exercise regimen individually, strictly in accordance with the results of the electrocardiographic test with exercise.

The text was prepared based on the materials of Professor N.V. Perova,
Department of Biochemical Markers of Chronic Noninfectious Diseases
GNITsPM

Association of Cardiovascular Surgeons of Russia Section “Cardiology and Imaging in Cardiac Surgery”

WHAT IS ATHEROSCLEROSIS?

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of large and medium-sized arteries associated with abnormal lipid deposition, characterized by thickening and loss of elasticity of the vascular wall.

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to all organs and tissues in our body. Healthy arteries are flexible, elastic, and strong. However, over time, the walls of arteries can become thicker and stiffer, which can lead to impaired blood flow to organs and tissues. This process is called atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis.

Reasons for the formation of atherosclerosis

The word atherosclerosis itself comes from the Greek words athero ( athero ) – gruel, and sclerosis ( sclerosis ) – hard.With the development of atherosclerosis, cholesterol, cellular debris, calcium and other substances are deposited on the inner surface of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a slowly developing, progressive disease that begins in childhood. While the exact cause remains unclear, the researchers say atherosclerosis begins with damage to the inner layer lining the wall of the artery. This damage can be caused by a number of factors, including:

– High cholesterol level;
– Irritants such as nicotine;
– High blood pressure;
– Certain diseases such as diabetes.

Any damage to the vessel wall leads to local inflammation. When the inner layer of an artery is damaged, white blood cells, lymphocytes, are sent to the site of damage from the bloodstream, causing an inflammatory reaction. Thus, the body tries to “heal” the site of damage. Over time, a new type of tissue forms in this place. This tissue attracts cholesterol circulating in the blood. Cholesterol, once in the vessel wall, is oxidized. Lymphocytes search for oxidized cholesterol, eat it and die, releasing substances that start a new cycle of the inflammatory response.

These processes lead to the formation and growth of atherosclerotic plaques, consisting of cholesterol and cellular debris. The plaque can grow into the lumen of the vessel, narrowing it, or outward. Organs and tissues that are supplied with blood through a narrowed vessel do not receive an adequate supply of oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood. The appearance of such plaques in the vessels of the heart causes the development of angina pectoris.

It can be assumed that the larger the plaque, the greater the risk of developing a heart attack, but this is not entirely true.A heart attack is caused by plaques with a thin lining. Both large and very small plaques can lead to myocardial infarction.

Atherosclerotic plaques narrow the lumen of the artery and lead to a significant decrease in blood flow.

The inner layer of the vascular wall in the area of ​​the plaque (the so-called lid) is most vulnerable to damage, its surface can “crack”, ulcerate. Such plaques are called unstable. Blood cells, called platelets, tend to sit down at the site of injury to try to repair the artery wall.In this place, a blood clot forms, which in a short time completely blocks the blood flow through the vessel. This can cause damage (infarction) of the organ to which the damaged artery carries blood, for example, contribute to the development of myocardial infarction .

Sometimes pieces of plaque break off and travel through the arteries with blood flow. If such a blood clot, which is a piece of plaque, gets stuck in a vessel and blocks blood flow, for example, in a heart muscle, it can cause angina pectoris and myocardial infarction.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance necessary for the construction of all cells in the human body. It participates in the formation of the cell membrane (membrane), from which the body produces some hormones and other necessary substances.

We get cholesterol from 2 main sources. Most of the cholesterol (about 1 g per day) is produced by our liver. The other part (400-500mg and more) we get directly from food.Cholesterol is found in animal products, especially egg yolk, meat, fish, poultry, and whole milk products. Plant foods do not contain cholesterol. The body produces cholesterol in sufficient quantities, so there is no need for it to come from outside.

High blood cholesterol is one of the risk factors for heart and vascular disease, the development of myocardial infarction and stroke. High cholesterol in the blood is referred to as hypercholesterolemia.

Cholesterol and other fats do not dissolve in the blood, so special carriers are needed to transport them to the cells, called lipoproteins , which are produced by the liver. Lipoproteins contain cholesterol and triglycerides to supply all cells in the body.

Harvard Medical Institute recommends
10 cholesterol-lowering foods:

– Oats in the form of oatmeal
or breakfast cereals
– Cereals
– Beans
– Eggplant
– Nuts
– Vegetable oil: sunflower, olive,
rapeseed
– Fruits: apples, grapes, strawberries,
citrus
– Soybeans tofu (Japanese bean curd)
or soy milk
– Fatty fish

Cholesterol, along with other substances from food, enters the digestive system and is absorbed.Chylomicrons are formed in the intestinal wall. Chylomicrons are small fatty particles composed of triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids and proteins. Chylomicrons enter the bloodstream and are carried by the bloodstream to all cells of the body, providing the cells with nutrients. The remains of chylomicrons, containing a large amount of cholesterol, reach the liver with the blood stream and are absorbed. The liver synthesizes cholesterol transporters: low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and a number of other lipoproteins that carry cholesterol and other substances to organs and tissues.

“Bad” cholesterol

Healthy foods in different ways
lower cholesterol levels:

– some contain dietary fiber, which
removes cholesterol from the body even before
before it was absorbed into the blood from
of the digestive system;
– others contain
polyunsaturated fatty acids, which directly reduce blood cholesterol
;
– some contain plant sterols
and stanols that block cholesterol absorption.

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) are the main carriers of cholesterol. They contain 60-80% of all cholesterol. Some of this cholesterol is used by cells for construction, and some is returned to the liver. With an increased content of cholesterol in LDL, it slowly begins to be deposited in the walls of the arteries, gradually narrowing their lumen. Together with other substances, cholesterol forms plaques, leading to atherosclerosis. This is why low density lipoprotein cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol .Low LDL cholesterol reflects a low risk of developing cardiovascular disease. High LDL cholesterol (over 160 mg / dL or 4 mmol / L) reflects a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

There are drugs that can reduce the synthesis of cholesterol
, they are called statins .
Studies have shown that statins
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and death
by 30-40%.

Remember that any medicine has
side effects and must be prescribed
strictly under the supervision of a doctor !!!

It is especially important to maintain optimal cholesterol values ​​in people already suffering from coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction or stroke. The optimal LDL cholesterol level for these people is less than 100 mg / dL (or 2.5 mmol / L). People who do not yet have coronary artery disease, but have risk factors, should strive to reduce LDL cholesterol below 130 mg / dL (3.3 mmol / L).

“Good” cholesterol

Harvard Medical Institute recommends
5 Ways to Increase Good Cholesterol

1. Regular exercise
2. Small amounts of alcohol (no more than
1 glass of red wine per day)
3. Weight loss
4. Less trans fat (fried foods,
and foods labeled “partially
hydrogenated fats »On the label)
5. More fruits and vegetables

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are other carriers of cholesterol, which contain up to 30% of total cholesterol.The role of HDL is to transport cholesterol from the arteries back to the liver, where it is excreted from the body.

HDL removes excess cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaques, inhibiting their growth. In addition, HDL is able to suppress the development of atherosclerosis, because have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Useful properties of “good” cholesterol:

– Acts as an antioxidant. “Good” cholesterol prevents the combination of “bad” cholesterol with oxygen, preventing it from oxidizing, thickening and damaging the walls of blood vessels.
– Anti-inflammatory properties. In the walls of blood vessels, local inflammation triggers the formation of atherosclerosis and blood clots, which are the direct cause of heart attacks and strokes.
– Prevents thrombus formation. The formation of blood clots – thrombi – leads to blockage of the vessel and the development of a heart attack.

HDL cholesterol is called “good” cholesterol, its high content reduces the risk of developing diseases of the heart and blood vessels. In perfectly healthy people, HDL cholesterol levels should be above 39 mg / dL (1 mmol / L). Patients with coronary artery disease who have had a heart attack or stroke should have a level of 40-60 mg / dL (1-1.5 mmol / L). Low HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg / dL or 1 mmol / L) increases the risk of atherosclerosis.

Women generally have higher HDL cholesterol levels than men. The female sex hormone estrogen increases HDL levels. Pre-menopausal women are usually protected from developing cardiovascular disease.because the level of estrogen is high enough.

Harvard Medical Institute recommends
Medicines that increase the level of “good” cholesterol

– Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP). In high doses (1-2 grams per day), nicotinic acid increases the content of “good” cholesterol by 20-30%. But this vitamin has one unpleasant side effect: it causes flushing and redness of the skin, which can be avoided by taking aspirin 30 minutes before taking niacin.
– Fibrates: fenofibrate (tricor, grofibrate, lipantil), ciprofibrate (lipanor), bezafibrate (bezalip). Fibrates lower triglyceride levels and increase good cholesterol. These drugs are prescribed for triglyceride levels greater than 200 mg / dL (2 mmol / L).
– Statins. These drugs are most often prescribed when the level of “bad” cholesterol is elevated, however, they also increase the level of “good” cholesterol. The effect of the drug depends on the chosen statin and is dose-dependent.

Any medicine has side effects and must be prescribed strictly under the supervision of a doctor !!!

Balance of “good” and “bad” cholesterol

Thus, atherosclerosis can develop when the amount of “bad” cholesterol in the blood exceeds normal values; and also if the “bad” cholesterol in the blood is normal, but the level of “good” cholesterol is lowered. Accordingly, the most undesirable option is a combination of high levels of “bad” and low levels of “good” cholesterol.

“Good” cholesterol is also produced in the body, but in much smaller quantities. It is not contained in food products in finished form, as is the case with “bad” cholesterol (the latter is found in large quantities in fish roe, egg yolk, liver, kidneys, and brain). “ Good” cholesterol is produced in the body under the influence of systematic physical training of moderate intensity, including in patients who have had myocardial infarction and / or stroke. Its concentration in the blood also increases with the intake of no more than 60-70 g / day of strong alcoholic beverages or 1 glass of dry natural wine a day (but not more!). On the contrary, very intense training and / or physical activity, taking a large amount of alcoholic beverages, suppress the synthesis of this useful cholesterol in the body.

Triglycerides

Triglycerides, together with cholesterol, are the main sources of fat circulating in our blood.If cholesterol is used to build cell walls, then triglycerides are the main sources of energy. Triglyceride levels range from 50 to 250 mg / dL, depending on gender and age. With age and overweight, triglyceride and cholesterol levels rise.

Women have higher triglyceride levels than men. People with cardiovascular disease and diabetes also have elevated triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels combined with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol accelerate the development of atherosclerosis.Triglyceride levels should not exceed 150 mg / dL or 1.7 mmol / L.

Blood test for lipid spectrum

– A blood test for lipid spectrum is taken in the morning on an empty stomach
– For accurate results, you should not eat for at least 12 hours before the test and do not consume alcohol within 24 hours
– Colds and SARS can affect the lipid spectrum indicators
– If you are taking any drugs to lower cholesterol, there is no need to stop drinking them before taking the test

How does atherosclerosis affect organs?

Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of heart problems, but it can affect arteries in all parts of the body.

– If the arteries supplying the heart are affected, coronary heart disease – IHD ( ischemia – insufficient oxygen supply to organs and tissues) can develop. Another name for coronary heart disease is coronary heart disease – from the name of the arteries that feed the heart – coronary or coronary arteries.
– If atherosclerosis affects the arteries of the extremities, circulatory problems in the arms and legs are called peripheral arterial disease.
– If the arteries supplying the brain are affected, it can be the cause of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or a stroke .
– Atherosclerosis can also contribute to the formation of protrusions (saccular bulging) in the artery wall – aneurysm .

Often, a person learns about the presence of atherosclerosis already with the development of complications that require urgent medical intervention.However, there are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself. A healthy lifestyle and, if necessary, medications can help.

What is the true age of your arteries?

According to the great English physician – Thomas Sydenham, “the age of a person is equal to the age of his arteries.” And this age does not always correspond to the number of candles on your birthday cake. Arteries age more slowly than the rest of the body if they are “accustomed” to good conditions: healthy food, daily physical activity and good relationships with family and friends.They wear out much faster if they are daily exposed to the aggressive effects of cigarette smoke, fatty foods, and chronic stress. Knowing the age of your arteries, you can get a picture of your own heart health.

We have two methods available for assessing the age of the arteries. These are measurements of the speed of the pulse wave and of the thickness of the intima-media complex of the carotid artery . In addition to these methods, the state of the arteries is indicated by the level of blood cholesterol and blood pressure .

Pulse wave velocity. With each heartbeat, blood travels through the arterial network throughout the body. The more rigid the arteries, the higher the blood flow velocity. By measuring the speed of the pulse wave, we can judge the elasticity of the vascular wall. Usually, the measurement is carried out using a special device with a sensitive sensor that is put on the finger.

The thickness of the “intima-media” complex of the carotid artery. The inner layer of an artery that lines its lumen is called intima.It provides a smooth surface in direct contact with blood. Media is the middle layer of the arterial wall. It is composed of muscle and elastic fibers and provides firmness. The thicker these two layers, the more the arterial wall is altered by cholesterol deposits. Wall thickness is measured using vascular ultrasound. Examination of the carotid artery in the neck is considered the most revealing.

Framingham scale. The largest Framingham study enrolled thousands of participants since 1948.The data obtained by the researchers served as the basis for the so-called Framingham scale of 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease. This scale can also be used to determine the age of your arteries.

How to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis?

The predisposition to the development of atherosclerosis and diseases of the cardiovascular system is inherited from the parents. If the family has relatives suffering from diseases of the heart and blood vessels, the risk of developing atherosclerosis increases.Atherosclerosis is a continuous process. Therefore, the risk of vascular complications increases with age. These risk factors – age and heredity – are termed uncontrolled . To reduce the risk, we can reduce the influence of controlled atherosclerosis factors , such as:

– High cholesterol (especially LDL, or “bad” cholesterol)
– Smoking and secondhand smoke
– High blood pressure
– Diabetes mellitus
– Obesity
– Low physical activity

A healthy lifestyle helps protect your arteries.Stop smoking. Eat healthy foods and exercise regularly. In some cases, you cannot do without taking medications and surgical procedures.

Lifestyle changes can help you prevent or slow the progression of atherosclerosis.

– Eating healthy food. A healthy diet based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains — foods low in saturated fat, cholesterol and salt — can help you manage weight, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol.Read more…
– Physical activity. Regular exercise helps your muscles use oxygen more efficiently. Regular exercise improves blood circulation in the body and stimulates the development of new blood vessels, which are natural bypass pathways for blood flow (natural shunts) in the presence of constrictions – collateral vessels . Read more…
– Smoking cessation. Smoking damages your arteries.If you smoke, smoking cessation is the best choice to prevent the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of vascular complications. Read more…
– Stress Control. On the one hand, it is necessary to reduce the likelihood of getting into stressful situations, but the main thing is to increase stress resistance. Perhaps the help of a psychologist will be advisable, you can use special techniques, for example, muscle relaxation, breathing techniques. Read more…

If you have high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or other chronic conditions, work with your doctor to treat these conditions and improve your overall health.Make an appointment.

90,000 Are High Cholesterol Dangerous? – City Hospital

Cholesterol is an important building material in the body, used to build cells, hormones, vitamin D, and nervous tissue. Two thirds of cholesterol is produced in the body, one third comes from food.

The norm of cholesterol in the blood is 3.2 – 5.0 mmol / l, if the level of cholesterol in the blood has increased more than 5.0, its excess is deposited in the walls of blood vessels in the form of atherosclerotic plaques.This leads to narrowing of the arteries and oxygen starvation of the heart, which is manifested by angina pectoris, and in severe cases leads to myocardial infarction, oxygen starvation of the brain, which leads to memory impairment and stroke, narrowing of the vessels of the legs, which is manifested by intermittent claudication, and in severe cases gangrene.

Cholesterol is transported in the blood along with proteins in the form of special transport particles – high and low density lipoproteins. Low density lipoproteins (“bad cholesterol”) are high in cholesterol.The more of them in the blood, the higher the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke. High-density lipoproteins (“good cholesterol”) capture cholesterol from the vessel wall and carry it to the liver, where it is burned. The more, the better.

Normal blood lipids : 5 – 3 – 1

Total cholesterol less than 5.0 mmol / l;

Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (“bad”) less than 3 mmol / l;

High density lipoprotein cholesterol (“good”) more than 1 mmol / l.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTROL THE LEVEL OF CHOLESTEROL

In patients who maintain cholesterol at a normal level, the risk of heart attacks, strokes is 30-40% less.

How to lower cholesterol levels

– Increase physical activity;

– Normalize weight. With a weight loss of 10 kg, you can achieve a reduction in cholesterol by 10%;

– Follow your diet throughout your life;

– Give up smoking;

– Follow your doctor’s recommendations for taking medications that lower cholesterol.

Nutrition with high cholesterol levels

These products must be discarded:

Animal fat, butter, fatty sour cream, cream, hard margarine, milk, fermented milk products of regular and high fat content, pork, offal, sausages, sausages, bacon, smoked meats, poultry skins, cakes, pastries, pastries, chocolate, ice cream, pizza, hot dogs, chips.

These foods should be consumed in moderation:

Soft margarine, mayonnaise and other sauces marked “low in cholesterol”;

Milk and dairy products 1-2% fat;

Low-fat cottage cheese and cheese;

Lean meats – chicken, turkey, lean fish.

These products can be consumed freely:

Vegetables, fruits, herbs, mushrooms;

Coarse flour bread;

Cereals, legumes, pasta;

Olives, olives;

Vegetable oil – sunflower, olive, soybean, corn.

CONTROL YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVEL

BE HEALTHY!

HEALTH IS THE KEY TO A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE!

Means to lower cholesterol levels and ways to improve health

We have more than heard about cholesterol.But few people know the full story behind this word so often used by the people.

The human body contains both the so-called “bad” cholesterol and “good” cholesterol, without which the human body cannot function. Despite the widespread belief that cholesterol has an adverse effect on human health, it is an integral part of the cell membrane. It is also a part of bile acids, and also participates in the synthesis of hormones and vitamin D.

But an excess of “good” is also bad, so if the level of cholesterol in the blood is high, it must be lowered, as it can cause many diseases.

Since a large part of society has high blood cholesterol levels, it is important to think about ways to lower it. If you keep reading, you will learn about whether it is possible to lower blood cholesterol levels without taking medication, and what natural remedies are available to lower cholesterol levels.

What is cholesterol and how to lower its level

There are two main fatty substances in human blood plasma – cholesterol and triglycerides.Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the bloodstream and in every cell of the body. It enters the body in two ways.

Approximately 2/3 of cholesterol is produced by the body on its own, mainly synthesizing it in the liver. In turn, the remaining 1/3 comes with animal products – meat, fish, eggs, cheese, milk and other products. Curiously, cholesterol is only found in animal products!

Since cholesterol and other fats do not dissolve in water, carriers – lipoproteins – are needed to transport them from blood vessels to cells.There are several lipoproteins in our body: very low, low, medium and high density lipoproteins.

High density lipoproteins are called “good” cholesterol, and low density lipoproteins are called “bad” cholesterol.

Very low density lipoproteins are synthesized in the liver and transport fats from the liver throughout the body. Then they are converted into particles of medium, and then – low density, and the cholesterol contained in them is the most harmful.

Under the influence of other risk factors, it begins to settle in the heart and other arteries, narrowing the blood vessels, which in turn can lead to the formation of blood clots.

That is why this cholesterol is called “bad”. But in our body there is also such cholesterol, the carrier substances of which perform the functions necessary for us.

High-density lipoproteins, which transport cholesterol from all tissues to the liver, can also remove it from the blood vessels.Thus, the risk of developing atherosclerosis is reduced. Therefore, such cholesterol is called “good”.

That is, not cholesterol itself is good or bad, but there are good and bad particles!

Maintaining normal cholesterol levels is one of the cornerstones in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. The desired cholesterol level for most of us is <5 mmol / L, while in high-risk patients it is <3.5 mmol / L. Under the influence of the modern rhythm of life, many people receive "bad" cholesterol from food in disproportionate amounts.

How can we lower cholesterol levels in our body to prevent the risk of developing various diseases? There are different ways to do this. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective ones.

Reducing cholesterol with meals

One of the best ways to lower blood cholesterol is to eat healthy daily. A balanced diet is one of the cornerstones of health and contributes to both the normalization of blood cholesterol levels and other processes that can improve your health.Doctors and nutritionists constantly repeat these golden words to their patients, which are often forgotten.

It is recommended to receive no more than 200-300 mg of cholesterol per day with food. Some foods have more cholesterol than others, so let’s look at some cholesterol-rich foods.