Cholesterol Fact or Fiction?

Cholesterol Fact or Fiction?

Fact: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body.

Fiction: Cholesterol is only found in animal products.

Fact: The body makes cholesterol naturally, and it is also found in some foods, such as eggs, meat, and dairy products.

Fiction: Cholesterol is always bad for you.

Fact: There are two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can build up in the arteries and lead to heart disease. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good" cholesterol because it helps to remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries.

Fiction: You can only get high cholesterol from eating too much fat.

Fact: While eating too much saturated fat and trans fat can raise cholesterol levels, there are other factors that can also contribute to high cholesterol, such as genetics, obesity, and smoking.

Fiction: There are no symptoms of high cholesterol.

Fact: High cholesterol usually does not cause any symptoms. However, it can lead to serious problems, such as heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Fiction: You can lower your cholesterol by taking medication.

Fact: While medication can help to lower cholesterol levels, there are also a number of lifestyle changes that you can make to help lower your cholesterol, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and losing weight.

Fiction: If you have high cholesterol, you will need to take medication for the rest of your life.

Fact: In some cases, people are able to lower their cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes alone. However, if medication is necessary, it is important to take it as prescribed to help prevent serious health problems.