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Why Should You Limit Your Cholesterol Intake?

Although a healthy amount of cholesterol may prove beneficial for the body, excessive amounts of cholesterol can significantly increase risks for serious health problems. Anyone, including children and adults, can develop high cholesterol, which is why it proves imperative to limit your cholesterol intake and manage your health properly with nutrition and healthy portions.

  1. Definition

    • Cholesterol is a substance found among fats in the bloodstream and in bodily cells. Cholesterol and other types of fats may not dissolve in the blood. They are, however, transported by lipo proteins and remain essential to the health of the body because they are used in cell membranes, by hormones and in other bodily functions.

    Types

    • According to the American Heart Association there are several types of cholesterol, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a). LDL is the primary carrier of cholesterol and circulates throughout the blood, but it can also build up in artery walls that supply the heart and brain. These substances cause a hard deposit, clogging the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks, stroke or other issues. HDL, considered the healthy cholesterol, carries the cholesterol from the arteries to the liver for disposal. If the Lp(a) cholesterol level is too high, it may involve developing atherosclerosis at an early age and may involve lesions in artery walls.

    Location

    • Foods from plants, such as grains, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables, do not contain cholesterol; however, food from animals, such as eggs, meat, fish, poultry and milk, contain cholesterol in varying levels. Based on the guidelines set by the American Heart Association, you should not consume more than six ounces of meat or fish daily and limit the use of dairy products.

    Alternatives

    • Instead of consuming too much meat, healthy alternatives include beans and eating vegetables as a substitute for consuming protein from animals.

    Statistics

    • Based on American Heart Association statistics, approximately 102.2 million adults in the U.S. have a blood cholesterol value of 200mg/d or higher. Of these, approximately 35.7 million American adults have a blood cholesterol value above 240, considered high risk.

    Daily Consumption

    • According to the American Heart Association, your average daily cholesterol intake should be less than 300 milligrams. However, if you have heart disease or if it is common within your family, the cholesterol intake should be less than 200 milligrams.

    Risk

    • Although no symptoms of high cholesterol exist, too high of cholesterol levels in the body can increase your risk factors. Such complications as diabetes, coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke and other medical issues may occur. Possible symptoms include chest discomfort or pain in other areas of the body, shortness of breath, nausea, numbness and light-headedness.

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