What foods raise cholesterol?

Η cholesterol or cholesterol It is a fatty sterol, which is a basic structural component of cell membranes in all tissues of the body and in blood plasma. 

Cholesterol is a lipid, which together with carbohydrates and proteins, constitute the most basic sources of nutrients. Triglycerides are also lipids, which are the main source of energy for the cell and the main component of adipose tissue. Cholesterol and triglycerides cannot dissolve in water, so they are transported in the bloodstream, if they are bound to water-soluble proteins - carriers. The complex that is created is the lipoproteins that transport the lipids of food to the liver and peripheral tissues for the production and storage of energy.

It is important to have your lipid profile checked regularly, as high cholesterol levels can cause serious damage to cells and heart health. Total cholesterol, "bad" cholesterol (HDL), "good" cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides should be checked. "Good" cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) removes excess cholesterol from the vascular wall to the liver, in order to reduce atherosclerotic plaques and protect against cardiovascular disease. In contrast, ''bad'' cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is produced intravascularly as a metabolic product of larger lipoproteins, and plays an important role in the transport and deposition of cholesterol in the vessel walls and the subsequent formation of atherosclerotic plaque and the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as cerebrovascular disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic aneurysm.

Cholesterol levels are influenced by both dietary and hereditary factors, as well as by exercise, age and gender. With the right diet, it is possible to LDL levels decrease and increase HDL levels. More specifically, there are specific foods that should be avoided by people who have high cholesterol and are on medication or whose levels are dangerously high. Let's look at some of them:

• Processed meat and meat products, such as sausages, bacon, and cold cuts, it is useful to avoid them completely because they are characterized by low nutritional value and high trans fat content, as they contain many preservatives and additives.

• The Red meat (beef, lamb, pork) although they are a source of protein, iron and vitamins, they are also rich in fat. As a result, to protect the cardiovascular system, it is more beneficial to choose protein sources such as chicken, legumes, fish and lean red meat.

• The consumption ultra-processed foods (fast food) has been linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and high levels of cholesterol, abdominal fat and inflammation, as well as disrupted sugar levels due to poor glycemic regulation.

• The fried foods They contain a large amount of trans fats, while the high temperature at which they are cooked greatly degrades the nutritional value of the foods. In general, it is preferable to cook foods in the oven or in an air fryer.

• Foods rich in sugar They raise levels of ''bad'' cholesterol and triglycerides while containing a lot of calories and fat and promoting obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

• The eggs Eggs are arguably the most misunderstood food in terms of their effect on cholesterol. Consuming one egg a day is permissible and recommended, as they are a rich source of protein. On the contrary, the risk of increasing cholesterol levels lurks if egg consumption exceeds the recommended limit for a long period of time.