Cholesterol is a fat-soluble organic steroid compound that is part of cell membranes and transported in the blood plasma. Biosynthetic cholesterol occurs mainly in that
Cholesterol is a fat-soluble organic steroid compound that is part of cell membranes and transported in the blood plasma. Cholesterol biosynthesis takes place mainly in the liver, also in the adrenal glands and genitals. It accumulates primarily in the brain, spinal cord and liver. The presence of moderate amounts of the substance in the body is extremely important because it helps maintain the normal structure and functioning of cell membranes. But elevated cholesterol levels can cause a number of diseases (gallstones, heart attacks and even stroke).
Some foods contain large amounts of the substance and their regular consumption can lead to the above consequences. If you do not overdo it, you will maintain normal cholesterol levels.
We offer you a list of products that have a high content of the substance and you need to avoid them or take them wisely to maintain normal blood cholesterol levels.
Meat
Most meat products contain a lot of cholesterol and excessive consumption can adversely affect your health. These are: fatty meats, bacon, pork, minced meat, liver.
Eggs
Eggs are rich in cholesterol , concentrated in the yolk. It is dominated by "good" cholesterol, so-called high-density lipoproteins, but should be used sparingly. 1-2 eggs a day will not affect the level of the substance, but more than 2 may have side effects on the body.
Poultry products
Always remove the skin from the birds before cooking them. This is important because this part of them is a concentrated source of cholesterol , saturated with fat and calories.
Seafood
Crabs, shrimps, lobsters contain mainly "good" cholesterol. It helps increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood and is important for a healthy and nutritious diet.
Saturated fat
Foods rich in saturated fats and trans fatty acids should be excluded from the menu because they increase the level of LDL (low density lipoprotein) or "bad" cholesterol. Such products are: butter, lard, coconut and palm oils. Check the labels of the groceries you buy and reduce the consumption of fatty foods, of course.
Dairy products
Dairy products, especially those made from whole milk (cheese, cream, ice cream), are high in cholesterol . Therefore, it is better to use low-fat foods. Some products need to be completely excluded: melted cheese, cream cheese, fat-based creams and dishes with them.
Carbohydrates
Excessive carbohydrate intake, although rare, can cause a rise in blood cholesterol levels. The conversion of carbohydrates into adipose tissue does not happen immediately - it is a complex process. They are first converted to glucose, then to triglycerides, and finally to adipose tissue.
Foods high in carbohydrates: white rice, potatoes, candy, pizza, pasta, popcorn.
The amount of cholesterol that enters the body should not exceed 200-400 mg per day.