Surprising Facts About Cholesterol You Probably Didn't Know
Oct 02, 2023
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Body chemistry is complicated. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach that’s perfect for everyone, and there are a lot of misconceptions. Take cholesterol. Long the bug-a-boo of health advocates, it turns out cholesterol is essential for your health.
Cholesterol is part of your cell makeup and aids digestion and other bodily functions. However, you can have too much cholesterol, leading to heart problems. The key is maintaining a balance.
At Primary Medical Physicians LLC in Pembroke Pines, Davie, Tamarac, and Hollywood, Florida, we monitor your cholesterol and help you maintain your health.
If you have high cholesterol, you likely won’t know it. There’s a reason it’s known as “the silent killer,” as it increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. That’s why having your cholesterol checked at least every five years is important.
Most people think cholesterol comes from eating fatty foods, but your liver makes about 80% of your body’s cholesterol.
Cholesterol is part of the myelin sheath, which coats your nerve cells and promotes communication between your nerves and brain. If you don’t have enough cholesterol, it can impact how your brain functions.
Typically, cholesterol peaks in the morning and declines during the day. However, these fluctuations depend on your sleep patterns, diet, and the amount of exercise you get.
People have linked high-fat foods with unhealthy cholesterol levels for decades, but new research shows otherwise. New guidelines reveal that foods like eggs, butter, and cream don’t increase cholesterol; however, they do increase saturated fats, which still impact your risk of heart disease.
However, eating a nutritious diet and maintaining a healthy weight for your overall health is important.
This might sound like the opposite of our previous point, but it’s actually a complementary point. Research shows that oats, beans, and fruits can help balance cholesterol levels. Also, increasing your intake of Omega 3 fatty acids through supplements and diet can help.
Genetic cause some people to have higher cholesterol levels no matter how healthy their lifestyle is. When you know your family’s medical history, you can use that as a guide for managing your cholesterol.
Many people find their cholesterol levels increase with age — especially men. You may control it with a cholesterol-lowering medication or diet and exercise. To ensure you’re in the safe zone, check your cholesterol regularly.
For your convenience, Primary Medical Physicians LLC has four locations at Pembroke Pines, Davie, Tamarac, and Hollywood, Florida. You can schedule your appointment via our online booking tool and assess your health.