(The temptation of salty-sweet flavors, melting away health)

The temptation of sweet and salty flavors melts away health... 'Cholesterol,' an important aspect of eating habits

 

A component that is necessary but becomes toxic if overused

Bile main component that aids digestion, also affects mood

'HDL' plays a role in preventing heart disease and stroke

'LDL' causes arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular disease

Asymptomatic hyperlipidemia diagnosed through blood tests

Beware of ice cream, fried foods, and processed meats.

 

Cholesterol is an essential substance for our body.

It becomes the material for hormones and is a component of the cell membrane that surrounds the cell.

 

Professor Jo Se-suk from Inha University Hospital Health Checkup Center (specialist in family medicine) explained, "People often think of cholesterol as something bad, but it is a major component of bile that aids digestion and also an important factor that influences consciousness and mood."

Cholesterol is broadly divided into low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL is commonly called bad cholesterol and is considered a major cause of arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. On the other hand, HDL is known as good cholesterol that plays a role in preventing heart disease and stroke.

There are various causes for elevated cholesterol levels.

In men, eating habits such as alcohol consumption, high-fat and high-carbohydrate intake, and overeating are significantly influential.

Women are primarily affected by pregnancy and menopause.

 

There are also genetic factors that prevent the liver from removing cholesterol. Lack of exercise, irregular lifestyles, and the intake of medications such as steroids can also temporarily raise cholesterol levels.

 

Professor Jo said, "If normal cholesterol levels are not maintained, various vascular diseases can occur," and listed some of the representative conditions as arrhythmia, hypertension, acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and dyslipidemia. Total cholesterol levels exceeding 240 mg/dL are diagnosed as hyperlipidemia.

 

Blood tests can diagnose cholesterol levels. To obtain accurate results, fasting for 9 to 12 hours on the day of blood collection is required. Drinking alcohol or consuming greasy foods excessively just before the test can affect the results. It is recommended to abstain from alcohol at least 3 days prior to the test. The National Health Insurance Service conducts lipid tests measuring blood lipid components once every four years.

Professor Jo said, "Since hyperlipidemia is a disease with no special symptoms, it is recommended to undergo testing annually if you have a chronic or underlying condition."

 

To prevent vascular diseases caused by cholesterol, it is necessary to limit alcohol consumption, engage in aerobic exercise, and improve dietary habits.

 

Professor Jo said, "To see effective results, you should perform aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, jogging, cycling, and aerobics about five days a week, enough to make you feel slightly breathless and a bit tired." He also advised, "It is good to maintain an appropriate weight and reduce fat to less than 30% of your total energy intake."

 

It is advisable to reduce the intake of saturated fats such as fried foods, processed meats, cheese, ice cream, and butter, and to avoid salty or greasy foods. Consuming fiber-rich vegetables like burdock, garlic, and peas is also said to be helpful.

 

=======================

Cholesterol levels are also important..

Eat fatty foods in moderation to prevent vascular diseases.

Taking medication seems to be essential.

 

Aerobic exercise seems to be most effective when it causes a slight shortness of breath.