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There is still a lot to be discovered on the subject of cholesterol. Unfortunately, this also makes plenty of room for myths and false theories. Here are a few common misconceptions.
1. Olive oil is good for preventing heart disease.
Being a vegetable oil, olive oil is certainly healthier than butter. Nonetheless, it still contains trans fatty acids that can contribute to high cholesterol levels.
2. As long as the food product is labeled "no cholesterol", it's a healthy choice.
The food may claim to have zero cholesterol, but it may still contain trans fats and saturated fats, both of which cause increased levels of HDLs or the "bad" cholesterol.
3. Females are not susceptible to the effects of high cholesterol.
It has been asserted that women are less susceptible to the effect of cholesterol than men. From teenage to middle age, cholesterol levels are known to be lower in females. Studies associate this condition with the presence of the hormone estrogen in women, which is produced constantly from puberty to middle age. However, as soon as a woman reaches menopause, the body ceases to produce the hormone; studies have noted that cholesterol levels tend to increase from this age and older.
4. Medication is the only surefire way to lower cholesterol levels.
While maintenance drugs certainly can help people with extremely high cholesterol levels, this does not mean the individual is completely out of risk. The best way to go is still not to reach such high cholesterol in the first place. This means making healthier food choices and exercising regularly.
5. Statins can help people suffering from high cholesterol to live longer.
Statins are chemicals that impede the production of cholesterol in the liver. Today they are commonly used for lowering cholesterol levels. Still, it doesn't guarantee that someone would live longer or become altogether healthier. Possible side effects of statins include liver damage, muscle pain, hair loss, and fatigue.
6. A heart attack is the only repercussion of having high cholesterol.
Unhealthy levels can lead to strokes as well. Excess cholesterol can not only clog the coronary arteries, but also congest the blood vessels that lead to the brain. A stroke happens when a blood clot forms in the arteries of the brain, depriving it of sufficient blood and oxygen.
7. Anything over 200 mg/dl is considered a dangerously high cholesterol level.
There is much debate over the accuracy of numbers such as this. Some suggest that normal levels of total cholesterol can vary from person to person, ranging from 200-220 mg/dl to 240-260 mg/dl. Also, some argue that it isn't the number of total cholesterol, but rather the characteristic of the LDL (or bad cholesterol) that matters more. Some cholesterol particles are larger and buoyant, while others are smaller and denser; the latter pose a greater risk of sticking to the walls of our arteries and causing hypertension.
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