What is good and bad cholesterol?

Reader question: I wonder how it is with cholesterol – in the past he was very careful not to eat eggs, for example. But now we are talking about good and bad cholesterol. What is this? And do you have any good advice about her for a middle-aged person?

The nutritionist answers:

Cholesterol is formed in the body as we get some of it through the diet. Some foods contain natural cholesterol, like shrimp and eggs, but the body usually adapts by reducing production, so you don’t have to be afraid of that, says Sophia Antonson, registered dietitian.

– While writing, they are talking about good cholesterol, HDL, and bad cholesterol, LDL. In addition, total cholesterol is usually measured. After all, I’m in favor of trying to influence through diet and lifestyle changes in the first place, and that usually has a good effect on cholesterol. HDL is mainly affected by physical activity, while LDL is affected by the type of fat we eat.

Vegetable fats have a positive effect

Saturated fats that come from the animal kingdom tend to have a negative effect, while vegetable fats, on the contrary, have a positive effect. Feel free to choose oils such as rapeseed, olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, and fatty fish that contain omega-3s. Eating dietary fiber can also lower cholesterol levels. The fiber in oats, called beta-glucan, is especially good, but all kinds are good, so choose fruits, berries, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains.

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