2023-06-26 16:01:59
Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, which raise cholesterol. Choose healthy sources of fat such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish and coconut oil. (123RF)
Text/Deng Zhengliang (Director of Jide Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic)
Cholesterol and triglycerides are two distinct lipid substances that differ in structure and function.
Cholesterol is a lipid alcohol, which is a molecule composed of multiple carbon and hydrogen atoms. It has a fatty acid tail and a hydroxyl methyl head. Cholesterol can be ingested through food or synthesized by the liver itself. Cholesterol serves several important functions in the human body, including structural component of cell membranes, precursor for hormone synthesis, transport of fat-soluble vitamins, and synthesis of bile acids.
Triglycerides are lipids composed of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acid molecules. Glycerol is a three-carbon alcohol, while fatty acids are long-chain hydrocarbons. Triglycerides are mainly absorbed through food, such as excessive intake of high-fat foods and carbohydrates can lead to elevated triglycerides. Triglycerides are the main storage form of energy and exist as lipid droplets in fat cells in the body. They are a source of energy and are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids to fuel the body when needed.
In general, cholesterol is a lipid alcohol that has several important functions, including cell structure, hormone synthesis, and bile acid synthesis, while triglycerides are lipids that are primarily a storage form of energy. Although they differ in structure and function, excess levels in the blood are both associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, keeping cholesterol and triglycerides within normal ranges is very important for maintaining overall health.
Hyperlipidemia (hyperlipidemia) refers to the state of abnormally high lipid content in the blood. It is a metabolic disorder that usually refers to elevated levels of cholesterol and/or triglycerides in the blood.
Types of hyperlipidemia
⊙hypercholesterolemia
In this condition, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, often called bad cholesterol) in the blood is elevated and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, often called good cholesterol) is normal or low.
⊙hypertriglyceridemia
In this condition, elevated triglycerides in the blood often accompany low HDL-C.
Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease, which can lead to the formation of atherosclerosis in blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular events. Hyperlipidemia may be caused by genetic factors, unhealthy living habits (such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, obesity, etc.), or other chronic diseases.
Hyperlipidemia (hyperlipidemia) refers to the state of abnormally high lipid content in the blood. (123RF)
Hyperlipidemia is usually diagnosed with blood tests to measure cholesterol and triglycerides. The goal of treating hyperlipidemia is to lower blood lipids through diet control, exercise, lifestyle changes, and drug therapy, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
How can high cholesterol be prevented?
⊙Diet control:Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, which raise cholesterol. Avoid high-fat foods such as: red meat, cream, cheese, brioche, and fried foods.
⊙Increase fiber intake in diet，Examples: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Fiber can reduce cholesterol absorption.
⊙Choose low-cholesterol foods，Examples: fish, poultry, skim milk, and low-fat dairy products.
⊙ Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids，Examples: fish (salmon, herring, etc.), flaxseed, and nuts.
⊙ Moderate exercise:Regular exercise can improve heart health and help lower cholesterol.
⊙Reduce alcohol intake:Excessive alcohol consumption may raise cholesterol.
⊙Change of living habits:In addition to diet and exercise, there are other lifestyle habits that can help prevent high cholesterol, including: quitting smoking and reducing stress.
Quit smoking: Not only is smoking bad for your heart health, it also lowers HDL (good cholesterol).
Stress reduction: Chronic stress can have negative effects on the body.
Not only is smoking bad for your heart health, it also lowers HDL (good cholesterol). (123RF)
Medication for high cholesterol: For some people who cannot reach their cholesterol goals through diet and exercise alone, doctors may consider starting medication. Common drugs include:
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs reduce the absorption of cholesterol, such as fibrates (Fibrates) and niacin (Niacin).
Statins: Statins are the most commonly used drugs that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol in the body, such as Rosuvastatin and Atorvastatin.
Cholesterol-excreting agents: These drugs increase the excretion of cholesterol, such as icoetine (Ezetimibe).
The best way to treat high cholesterol varies from person to person and should be evaluated and selected under the guidance of a doctor.
How to prevent high triglycerides?
⊙Diet control:Reduce your intake of saturated and trans fats, and avoid high-fat foods such as red meat, cream, cheese, and fried foods.
⊙ Control sugar intake：Limit consumption of sugar and processed foods, as excess sugar intake may increase triglyceride synthesis.
⊙Increase fiber intake in diet，Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.
⊙ Avoid excessive intake of alcohol,Alcohol increases triglycerides.
⊙ Weight control:Maintaining a healthy weight can help control triglycerides. If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can help lower triglycerides.
⊙ Moderate exercise:Regular exercise is very important for managing triglycerides.
⊙ Control carbohydrate intake:Eating too many carbohydrates can lead to elevated triglycerides. Cut back on refined carbohydrates (like white bread, white rice, and sweets) and choose healthier carbohydrate sources like whole grains and vegetables.
⊙ Quit smoking and limit alcohol:Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are both associated with elevated triglycerides.
Higher triglycerides:If diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are not effective in lowering triglycerides, your doctor may consider medication. Common drugs include:
Insulin Sensitizers:For example, febradone and niacin can lower triglycerides.
Cholesterol absorption inhibitors:Etoretin, for example, can reduce the absorption of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Statins:For example, rosuvastatin and atorvastatin lower triglycerides.
What is the effect of trans fat on hyperlipidemia?
The effect of trans fat on hyperlipidemia is negative. It is an unhealthy form of fat that is often produced from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils during industrial processing. It raises low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), also known as “bad cholesterol.” High LDL-C is one of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Lowers high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), also known as “good cholesterol.” HDL-C is important for cardiovascular health because it helps remove cholesterol from the blood vessels. Increased triglycerides (Triglycerides), high triglycerides are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. Trans fats also promote inflammation and platelet aggregation, which can lead to damage to artery walls and an increased risk of blood clots.
Therefore, in order to prevent hyperlipidemia, it is very important to reduce or avoid intake of trans fat. This means avoiding foods that contain hydrogenated vegetable oils, partially hydrogenated oils, or artificial trans fats, such as fried foods, fast food, coffee mate, and certain commercial baked goods. Instead, choose healthy sources of fat such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish and coconut oil. ◇
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