Cholesterol - friend or foe? Information from Dr. Daniela Themmer

Cholesterol is a vital substance that fulfills numerous tasks in our body. It is a component of our cell membranes, serves as a starting material for the production of hormones and vitamin D and plays a role in the digestion of fat. But why is cholesterol repeatedly criticized?

Good and bad - LDL and HDL

Cholesterol is divided into two main types: LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and HDL ("good" cholesterol). While LDL tends to be deposited on the walls of blood vessels and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, HDL transports cholesterol back to the liver where it is broken down. A healthy balance between LDL and HDL is crucial for our health.

Causes of elevated cholesterol levels

Elevated cholesterol levels can be genetic, but can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. The risk factors include

• A high-fat and unbalanced diet
• Lack of exercise
• Overweight
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress

How can cholesterol levels be lowered?

The good news is that cholesterol levels can often be positively influenced by a conscious lifestyle. Here are a few tips:

• Adjust your diet: Reduce saturated fats and trans fats. Instead, focus on unsaturated fatty acids from fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
• More exercise: Regular physical activity increases HDL levels and helps to reduce LDL.
• Quit smoking: Giving up cigarettes improves cholesterol levels and the general cardiovascular risk.
• High-fiber diet: Foods such as oats, fruit and vegetables can lower LDL levels.
• Regular checks: Have your values checked so that you can take countermeasures at an early stage.

Myth: Eggs and cholesterol

Eggs used to be regarded as cholesterol bombs, but studies show that the cholesterol level in the blood depends less on food and more on the liver's own production. A moderate consumption of eggs is therefore unproblematic for most people.

Conclusion

Cholesterol is not bad per se - it's the balance that counts. A healthy lifestyle can help to keep your levels under control and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Keep yourself regularly informed and seek advice from a doctor. Our general practitioner Dr. Daniela Themmer will be happy to help you.

You can find more information on general medicine on our website: www.juvenismed.at/allgemeinmedizin and on nutritional advice: www.juvenismed.at/ernaehrungsberatung-wien

Contact us, we will be happy to inform you!