High Cholesterol: Experts warn against consumption of these 4 food items

If your diet is proper, you don't have to worry about the risk of chronic ailments. However, sometimes being unable to resist the palatability of a few food items and also sometimes without being completely aware of the constituencies of the food we end up making glaring mistakes; putting ourselves at the risk of developing health complications.

One such health complication which is directly linked to poor diet is high cholesterol.

Increased cholesterol levels increase the risks of heart disease and stroke. "Globally, a third of ischaemic heart disease is attributable to high cholesterol," says the World Health Organisation (WHO) and adds that raised total cholesterol is a major cause of disease burden in both the developed and developing world as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease and stroke. In 2008, the global prevalence of raised total cholesterol among adults was 39% (37% for males and 40% for females).

In order to cut down the risk of developing heart related complications due to high cholesterol one needs to stop consuming red meat, fried food, processed meat and baked goods, as per Harvard Medical School.

Red meat is always considered bad for cholesterol and those with high cholesterol are often suggested to not have red meat so that the cholesterol harmony in the body is not disturbed. "Beef, pork, and lamb are generally high in saturated fat. Cut of meat like hamburger, ribs, pork chops, and roasts are highest in fat. You don’t have to avoid meat entirely, just eat it only on occasion. Limit yourself to the recommended 3-ounce portion size and stick to leaner cuts like sirloin, pork loin, or filet mignon. Better yet, replace meat with proteins that are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, like skinless chicken or turkey breast, fish, and beans," experts at Harvard Medical School say.

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Experts warn against the consumption of processed meat, especially for high cholesterol patients. Processed meats often use the fatty cuts of the meat and hence have extremely high levels of cholesterol and saturated fat which is harmful for the heart health of those already having high cholesterol. Though experts suggest few healthier alternatives to processed meats, these are not devoid of cholesterol either.

For many, cookies and pastries are the most delicious things that have ever existed on this planet. From kids to older people everyone loves having these extremely sweet foods either as a snack or as a dessert. Experts have warned that the amazingly high amount of butter, shortening and sugar does no good to the human body and particularly to those who already have a spiked cholesterol level in the blood it builds up an unforeseen future disaster.

Many people can't stop having crunchy fried stuff. Experts have also warned against the intake of deep fried foods, as they say, deep frying increases the energy density or calorie count of food. Experts suggest using an air fryer or using healthy oil to fry the food.

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Diet is an important aspect of health, so is lifestyle. Including more physical activity, eating more natural food, eating seasonal food, having more antioxidants and phytonutrients is essential for an overall good health. However, with growing age despite all precautions, the body succumbs to age related problems. In such cases one should never delay taking medical assistance and should have regular health checkup.