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Test Your Cholesterol Knowledge |
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Cholesterol in our bodies only comes from the foods we eat -- False. This is a common misconception. Most people naturally produce adequate levels of cholesterol to meet their needs. Consumption of animal-based products such as eggs, cheese, butter and meats adds excess cholesterol to our bodies, which is why it’s important to limit your intake of these foods. Plant-based nutrients reduce cholesterol -- True. Nutrients called plant sterols and stanols inhibit absorption of both dietary cholesterol and cholesterol produced naturally in the body. In fact, the U.S. government recommends consumption of two grams per day of these nutrients as part of its Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) guidelines that help lower cholesterol naturally for those with borderline to high cholesterol. They are found in plants, nuts, corn and rice, but only in trace amounts—you’d have to consume around fifty five bananas in one day to consume the recommended two grams. An easier solution is a plant sterol and stanol supplement, such as CholestOff. All fiber helps manage cholesterol -- False. While all fiber has health benefits, not all fiber helps with cholesterol reduction. Viscous soluble fiber, found in foods such as oats, barley, psyllium and prunes, helps reduce cholesterol levels when eaten as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Insoluble fiber helps with regularity by pushing waste through the digestive tract. The American Heart Association recommends adults consume 25 to 30 grams of total fiber per day.
True. The goal for most people is at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days. This can include swimming, biking or walking. While that may sound like a lot, the benefits quickly outweigh the work, and any exercise is better than none at all. Regular exercise has been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Physical activity can also help maintain and promote strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance, which is especially important as baby boomers age and lose muscle mass. Only large cholesterol reductions make a difference -- False. A small reduction in cholesterol levels can have a
big impact for many. Studies show that lowering cholesterol
just 10 percent can reduce one’s risk of heart disease by 30
percent. Everyone should get their cholesterol screened and
consult their health care professionals to develop a customized
treatment program if needed.
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Many
baby boomers are educated and proactive with their health,
yet elevated cholesterol affects an average of 55 percent
of Americans ages 35 to 54—putting them at risk for heart
attack and stroke. Cholesterol has been a hot topic for some
time with people constantly bombarded with information about
the cholesterol problem in the United States and how to approach
it. There’s so much news out there, it’s easy to suffer from
information overload. To help today’s baby boomer break through
the cholesterol clutter, Los Angeles-based registered dietitian
and heart health expert Heidi Becker takes five popular claims
and explains what’s fact and what’s just hype.
Any
kind of exercise counts --