Heart attack is one of the top leading causes of death and unfortunately, today’s society consumes more low density lipoprotein foods like never before. These foods are high in unhealthy, saturated fats which lead to high levels of bad cholesterol. Too much bad cholesterol is a disaster waiting to happen because it accumulates on the most important organ in your body: the heart.
What is low density lipoprotein?
Lipoprotein itself is not directly responsible for cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular conditions. It is simply entrusted with the task of transporting cholesterol through the blood to the rest of the body. In other words, lipoproteins are carriers. What they carry and where it ends up is the problem and our dietary choices are to blame.
When low density lipoprotein foods are ingested, the body breaks down the saturated fat in them into LDL cholesterol. Lipoproteins then carry this cholesterol in blood and leave it in the walls of your arteries. As more and more LDL cholesterol builds, it starts to create lumps called plaque. This plaque causes blockage and if it bursts, a blood clot is the result. Blood clots lead to a heart attack and possibly death.
What are low density lipoprotein foods?
The term “low density” does not describe foods but the molecular structure of lipoproteins. These foods, in fact, consist of saturated and trans fats that are difficult for the body to process and eliminate. LDL cholesterol is hard to completely eradicate from your diet because it is present in many foods. However, weeding out foods with the highest content can help you prevent heart disease and protect your heart.
Perhaps the most obvious group of low density lipoprotein foods is processed foods. Fried fast food, sausages, cold cuts, cereals and breads have high amounts of unhealthy fats. The easiest way to spot high LDL cholesterol food is to avoid those that come in boxes and cans. Even a healthy meal at a restaurant can be high in bad cholesterol because of the way it is prepared.
A close relative of saturated fat is trans fat, which can be found in treats like chips, cake, candy bars, doughnuts and pastry. Trans fat is as bad as saturated fat, if not worse. Together, they are a recipe for heart failure.
Dairy also makes the list of low density lipoprotein foods. Eating moderate servings of dairy products is generally healthy but generous portions of products like mayonnaise, cheeses, ice cream, yoghurt, butter and milk can clog your heart.
Red meats like pork, lamb and beef with added fat should be kept to a minimum. If you’ve depended on meats as sources of protein, substitute with fish and plants instead.
What are foods low in LDL cholesterol?
Fill your plate with fiber-rich whole grains, tofu, beans, fish and eggplant. Snack on fruit like apples, oranges, lemons and grapes. Having oatmeal for breakfast and chewing on nuts also reduce levels of bad cholesterol. Don’t forget to drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.
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