Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in all the cells of your boy. The body naturally produces cholesterol, and most of it is used for cell membrane synthesis, hormone production, vitamin D synthesis, and other functions. However, many myths about cholesterol are propagated by the food and pharmaceutical industries. Here are some of these myths in detail.
Myth 1. If Cholesterol Levels Were Elevated, There Would Be Symptoms
There are no symptoms of elevated cholesterol levels. In fact, in the past, doctors used to prescribe medication for high cholesterol levels; however, this practice was discontinued because it was found that there is no direct correlation between cholesterol and heart disease. The only way to know if you have elevated cholesterol levels is to have a blood test done, and the results of such a test will confirm that you have elevated cholesterol levels or not. In reality, high cholesterol levels in the blood do not cause symptoms since there is no relationship between cholesterol levels and the presence of symptoms. Cholesterol does not show any symptoms, but it causes heart attacks, strokes, or high blood pressure problems.
Myth 2. Women Should Not Worry About High Cholesterol
In reality, women should worry about high cholesterol because it is a leading cause of heart disease. Also, women are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease because they have much higher estrogen levels in their blood. Women need to lower their cholesterol levels to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Moreover, women can have their cholesterol levels through different situations. And here are some of the conditions that affect women’s cholesterol levels:
· Breastfeeding
· Pregnancy
· Menopause
· Hormonal changes
These conditions affect women’s cholesterol levels, so women need to worry about their cholesterol levels.
Myth 3. Any Kind of Cholesterol Is Bad
The liver produces the most cholesterol in the body, and only a small amount of cholesterol can be found in the blood. The body needs cholesterol to make testosterone, so if your body produces less or no testosterone, it will have to get its cholesterol from food. Also, there are diseases in which testosterone production is impaired, testosterone deficiency, in which case TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) is used, which keeps the hormone level normal.
Additionally, cholesterol moves through the body on lipoproteins, and that is why the two types of cholesterol are called high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). It is false to say that all types of cholesterol are bad because HDL is the good cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from the body through the liver. At the same time, LDL is the bad cholesterol that deposits cholesterol in the walls of arteries and causes heart disease.
Myth 4. You Can’t Have High Cholesterol at A Normal Weight
It’s a myth to believe that you can’t have high cholesterol if you are not overweight. The amount of cholesterol in the blood is not related to the amount of fat in the body. As much as cholesterol can be caused by weight and diet, it can also be genetic. Therefore, it is good to have your cholesterol levels tested by the doctor because it is not a must you have high cholesterol levels because of your weight or diet. Additionally, many factors can cause high cholesterol levels, including smoking, stress, pregnancy, over-exertion, and more.
Myth 5. You Should Avoid Foods Containing Cholesterol
Some people believe that you should avoid cholesterol foods because it is bad for the heart. But this isn’t true because cholesterol is a fat-soluble compound, and it is found in every cell of the body. Also, there are many good examples of foods that contain cholesterol, including egg yolk, liver, and shrimp. And you should consume these foods because the human body needs cholesterol, and the more you eat, the more your body will produce the cholesterol it needs. For this reason, it is not good to avoid foods that contain cholesterol completely. Also, you should consume cholesterol foods for a healthy and balanced diet.
Myth 6. People Under 40 Don’t Need to Have Their Cholesterol Levels Checked
Many myths are said about cholesterol levels, and many people believe that people under 40 and over 30 don’t need to have their cholesterol levels checked. But this is not true because many studies show the importance of having your cholesterol checked regularly. According to these studies, the earlier you start taking care of your cholesterol levels, the better it is for you. People who have their cholesterol levels checked frequently have a lower risk of developing heart diseases later on. This is because if you have your cholesterol levels checked, you will be able to get the results of these tests and know how to lower your cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
There are many myths about cholesterol that you need to be aware of. These myths can lead to lower self-esteem, and people can stop taking care of their cholesterol levels. Also, it would be best to know the facts about cholesterol since this will help you take care of your cholesterol levels. For more information about cholesterol, contact us today.
