The Dangers of Cholesterol
We’ve all heard of the dangers of cholesterol: once it gets “high”, our heart can suffer in more ways than one. The most popular and serious way is atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of the arteries from the collection of LDL cholesterol. You may now be wondering, “What does LDL mean and why is it important?” LDL, meaning low-density lipoprotein, is one of two types of cholesterol out there. The kind to avoid. It’s relative, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is actually GOOD for you because it removes any excess that your body doesn’t need.
The foods we’re about to discuss are thought to be bad for you because they increase cholesterol, but we’re here to tell you the truth. Here are three foods you’re told you should avoid:
Eggs
High in Omega-3s and healthy fats along with numerous other nutrients, eggs are an easy addition to your diet. They can help flesh out your nutrient intake with their high source of Vitamins A, B5, and phosphorus.
A study completed in 2012 in the journal Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care revealed that individuals who consume roughly 4-6 eggs per week did not show any increase in cholesterol levels compared to people who cut eggs from their diets completely. Click here to read more about the benefits of eggs.
Avocados
You have no need to feel guilty about your avocado addiction! Avocados are packed with monounsaturated fatty acids, which raise HDL (the good cholesterol), thereby lowering LDL. Because they are caloric (and so delicious), remember to control your portions.
Grass-fed beef
Grass-fed beef, or meat coming from cows who consume grass and other foraged foods, is much more nutrient-packed than your regular old beef from the grocery store. These types of beef contain omega-3s and antioxidant vitamins, and also has conjugated linoleic acid. In lab testing on animals, this acid reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. You can read more about its benefits here (hyperlink dairy nutrition article).
So, the next time a three-egg omelet is calling your name, go for it!