High cholesterol is a huge risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Cholesterol levels also tend to naturally increase with age. Some warning symptoms of high cholesterol include nausea, chest pain, extreme fatigue, and numbness or coldness. If you have high cholesterol or want to minimize the impacts of naturally increasing cholesterol levels, take note of these foods causing high cholesterol levels and avoid consuming them:
Avoid Eating Fast Food
Fast food is a staple in many people’s diets, but if you want to reduce your cholesterol levels, you should avoid eating fast food. Most fast food restaurants serve meals that are full of unhealthy fats and oils and eating them often can worsen your overall health. Certain foods that appear to be healthy like salads can still be high in cholesterol, so it is crucial to determine the nutritional value of every meal.
Whole Dairy Products Increase Cholesterol Levels
Whole milk and cheese contain a good amount of protein and calcium, but they are also high in saturated fat content. This is harmful to your cholesterol levels, and older adults should avoid these products. If you want to consume dairy products, search for low-fat or non-fat options that are healthier. Plant-based milk is also a great option to regulate your cholesterol levels.
Red Meat Is Bad for Your Cholesterol Levels
Red meat including lamb, beef and pork are high in cholesterol and saturated fat content, leading to higher cholesterol levels. While you do not have to completely stop eating red meat, try to choose lean cuts of red meat and sources of animal protein that are lower in fat.
Fried Food Causes High Cholesterol
Fried food is terrible for your health as it contains a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol due to the frying process. It is best to try other methods of cooking, including baking or steaming. However, if you really want the taste of fried food, try using an air-fryer for healthier, low-fat meals.
High Cholesterol Is Caused by Baked Goods
While baked goods smell and taste delicious, they often contain butter and other unhealthy dairy products that cause high cholesterol levels. In addition, they are typically made with excessive amounts of sugar. When consumed often they can increase your risk of coronary heart diseases.
Enjoy Healthy Living at Blue Ridge
At Blue Ridge, we are dedicated to ensuring that our residents receive the highest quality care and our senior living options are tailored to your personal care needs. Our exclusive lifestyle programs are designed to make your stay as comfortable and fuss-free as possible while providing you with the ultimate senior living experience. Enjoy a top-class dining experience from the comfort of your home as we bring you a wide selection of mouth-watering dishes prepared by our professional chefs. The best part is, you never have to worry about nutrition because our chefs have it all figured out! We use fresh ingredients to create healthy and balanced meals so that your care needs are met. To ensure your wellbeing and safety, we also have on-site medical and therapy services available.