6 Misconceptions and Cholesterol Myths

Due to bad press and publicity, cholesterol takes on a very bad reputation and majority of us have these misconceptions. It is very crucial to learn the facts about cholesterol, how it affects health and how an individual can manage his/her cholesterol level effectively. To start with, here are some of the common myths about cholesterol.

1. DIET & PHYSICAL ACTIVITY SOLELY DETERMINE ONE'S CHOLESTEROL LEVEL

Although it is true that diet and physical activity play an integral part in an individual's blood cholesterol level, it doesn't solely determine it. Cholesterol level is interplay of several different factors such as age, gender, lifestyle, diet, weight, family history, etc. Our bodies produce cholesterol naturally which is used up as energy.

2. USE MARGARINE INSTEAD OF BUTTER TO LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL

This is very untrue! Both butter and margarine are high in fat, so whatever your choice is - use them in moderation. From a dietary standpoint, the chief factor affecting blood cholesterol is the saturated and Trans fat contents of foods. To help lower your LDL levels, consume food that have less saturated and Trans fat. It is best to choose butter or margarine that has "0 g Trans fat" as printed on its nutrition label.

3. THIN PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO FRET ABOUT HIGH CHOLESTEROL

Any body type, fat or even thin can have high cholesterol. Although it is true that overweight people are more prone to hypercholesterolemia or high blood cholesterol levels, it doesn't mean thin people can't have it. Most often than not, individuals who don't gain weight easily are less concerned on how much Trans and saturated fats they consume. No matter how thin you are, it is still important to have your cholesterol level checked. High cholesterol is not exclusive for the overweight and the obese!

4. HIGH CHOLESTEROL IS A MAN'S PROBLEM

Women before their menopause age are generally protected from having high LDL (bad) cholesterol because women's estrogen tends to increase HDL (good) cholesterol level. But bear in mind that as an individual ages, so does his or her cholesterol level. Women are not an exception.

5. NO NEED TO HAVE YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVEL CHECKED WHEN YOU'RE YOUNG

It is strongly advised that everyone, male or female start getting blood cholesterol test at age 20. But it is also not a bad idea to start having it at earlier age especially when you are genetically predisposed to hypercholesterolemia or heart diseases. Just as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. So the earlier you check your cholesterol level, the better!

6. NUTRITION LABEL SAYS: "No Cholesterol" = "Heart-Healthy" Choice

Although nutrition labels on food are very useful in choosing heart-healthy foods, they can also be tricky. You need to know what to look for. Many of the "low-cholesterol" or even the "no cholesterol" foods have high levels of trans/saturated fats which mainly contributes to high blood cholesterol. You should check the saturated and/or trans fat, cholesterol, and total calories content of food before you can say it is really heart-healthy. Don't leap before you think - carefully read labels and know what you're eating!

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