High cholesterol: Nutritionist reveals top prevention tips
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Cutting down on foods high in saturated fat can be the first step in lowering your cholesterol. Saturated fat is found in foods like butter, processed meat, dairy products and coconut milk in Thai takeout.
Thai takeout option often opts for coconut milk to make its curries smoother.
Coconut milk is made from the grated pulp of mature coconuts and is often high in coconut oil.
This oil gives the milk its taste and thickness.
However, coconut oil is high in saturated fat, according to the NHS.
Coconut oil contains about 50 percent more saturated fat than butter, as reported by Mayo Clinic.
Despite its saturated fat content, some experts believe that the fat found in coconut oil is less harmful and might help your “good cholesterol” levels.
But Mayo Clinic states that the triglycerides in coconut oil that could be beneficial for you only make up a small amount of the fatty acids.
Plus, they also warn that this oil has been shown to raise “bad cholesterol” levels.
Even though coconut oil may seem like a healthy choice, research shows that it’s just as likely to raise cholesterol as other types of saturated fats, according to the American Heart Association.
Mayo Clinic adds that its “supposed health benefits” haven’t been proved in large-scale human research.
However, this doesn’t mean you should scratch Thai takeout completely.
Thai food also contains healthy vegetables and spices.
So, when ordering your Thai takeout, you might want to choose dishes without coconut milk, based on the research.
Try opting for vegetable stir-fries or noodle dishes.
You could also ask to have your meal prepared with vegetable oil instead.
For example, olive oil maintains your levels of “good cholesterol” while reducing levels of “bad”, the NHS states.
Another health beneficial substitution could be tofu, as meat is high cholesterol food as well, according to Heart UK.
The reason to keep cholesterol levels at bay is to prevent blocking your blood vessels to reduce your risk of heart problems or stroke.
Don’t forget that high cholesterol doesn’t cause any symptoms.
The only way to find out your levels is by having a blood test.
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