Cholesterol is a fat that is found in the blood of all animals and is essential to the production of hormones and the proper functioning of human cell membranes. Our bodies already produce healthy amounts of cholesterol, so it is unnecessary to attempt to consume more. Excessive amounts of cholesterol collect along the walls of arteries and cause blockages. According to the American Heart Association, a diet that is high in cholesterol has the potential to increase one’s risk of stroke and heart disease. Plenty of food contains cholesterol. The bad news is that many of your favorite foods may be raising your cholesterol. Functional Medicine Los Angeles can help you keep your cholesterol levels at bay. You may also want to watch out for these common foods that are high in cholesterol.
- Cheeseburgers: Contrary to popular belief, cheeseburgers are not paradise. If you are like most Americans, you may grab a cheeseburger for lunch from your favorite fast-food restaurant every once in a while, but you may want to reconsider this choice next time you decide to take a trip through the drive-thru. A typical fast-food cheeseburger contains a whopping 85 to 150 mg of cholesterol. That is almost half of the recommended daily intake, which is less than 300 milligrams. To learn more about your recommended daily intake, get in touch with Functional Medicine Burbank today.
- Ice Cream: Ice cream is a delicious cold staple in 90 percent of households in America. But did you know that this popular frozen dessert contains more fat than a hamburger and more cholesterol than 15 glazed donuts? With that being said, you may want to skip the ice cream and opt for a fresh cup of fruit. Fruit is significantly lower in calories, is high in fiber, and helps to lower cholesterol. For more healthy alternatives, reach out to our experts at Functional Medicine Studio City.
- Macaroni and Cheese: The usual mac-and-cheese ingredients — butter, whole milk, and cheese — contain hefty amounts of bad cholesterol. But this delectable American dish does not necessarily have to be a high-cholesterol meal. Substitute evaporated milk for butter, use low-fat cheese, and switch to 1 percent milk. By switching out those ingredients for healthier alternatives, your macaroni and cheese will contain half the calories and more importantly, half the cholesterol. To learn more about how you can enjoy this dish without guilt, talk to our experts at Functional Medicine Toluca Lake.
- Rib-Eye Steak: Who doesn’t enjoy a nice, juicy steak after a long day? Unfortunately, even steaks that are cooked in olive oil, and have the fat well-trimmed, are extremely high in cholesterol. A typical 4-ounce steak contains 20 percent of the recommended amount of cholesterol, which doesn’t leave you much room for the rest of the day. If you’re having a hard time ditching the steak, consider more lean cuts of meat — such as flank, tenderloin, tip steak, or rump — to reduce the amount of cholesterol that you consume.
You don’t have to be a nutritionist to realize that many foods are bad for you, but many classic dishes are much unhealthier than you may have anticipated. Lowering your cholesterol is as easy as cutting out some of your favorite foods or simply reducing your intake. When your cholesterol levels drop by just 10 percent, it can already reduce your risk of stroke or heart attack by 20 percent. For more helpful information on how to cut down your cholesterol levels, don’t hesitate to connect with our Functional Medicine doctors today.