Let's Talk About Common Cholesterol Myths

Cholesterol can hurt you, but you need it to stay healthy. That’s just one of the things that make cholesterol confusing, so let’s separate fact from fiction.

You hear about cholesterol levels all the time, but do you understand what cholesterol is or what it means to your health?

Dr. Temeka Johnson and her experienced team at Quality Health Source in Mableton, Georgia, assist patients with various health concerns, including cholesterol management to control and prevent diseases. Here, they separate some myths from facts about cholesterol.

What’s cholesterol?

Your body produces this waxy substance, which plays a crucial role in cell development and the production of hormones and vitamins. Your liver generally produces as much cholesterol as you need, but you also get cholesterol through animal proteins such as poultry, beef, and dairy.

Cholesterol comes from the saturated fats in these foods, but it can also be in baked goods and oils. Too much of this type of cholesterol can lead to numerous health problems, including cardiovascular disease.

Types of cholesterol

Cholesterol is found in lipoproteins, particles that travel to cells throughout the body. Your body makes several types of lipoproteins, including:

High-density (HDL): considered good; carried from your liver to be flushed from body
Low-density (LDL): considered bad; increases heart disease risks
Very low-density (VLDL): also considered bad; carries triglycerides to other tissues

Triglycerides are found in lipoproteins and can also contribute to heart problems.

Clearing up cholesterol confusion

What do people get wrong about cholesterol?

Myth: All cholesterol is dangerous

As mentioned, high levels of HDL can reduce your risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease. You don’t get HDL directly from food, but a diet that includes healthy fats, nuts, olive oil, and more may help improve the ratio of HDL (good) to LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Myth: Healthy weight means healthy cholesterol levels

Maintaining a healthy weight doesn’t mean you can’t have high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Processing cholesterol inefficiently can occur due to inherited traits, and levels can be influenced by factors such as thyroid function, exercise regimen, sleep habits, and medication.

Myth: High cholesterol comes with signs

Too much cholesterol doesn’t cause symptoms before it becomes dangerous. Unless you schedule regular screenings, you may not realize you have high cholesterol until a cardiovascular problem develops.

Myth: A high cholesterol diet means high cholesterol

That may sound logical, but how cholesterol affects the body is complex. While all trans and saturated fats can cause problems, certain foods that don’t have cholesterol, such as some high in sugar, can still lead to spikes in bad cholesterol.

Additionally, people who exercise regularly tend to experience fewer health issues from consuming high-cholesterol foods than those who don’t.

Myth: Everyone needs the same cholesterol levels

Your family and personal medical history play significant roles in your optimal cholesterol levels, alongside other factors. Your needs change with the presence of conditions like hypertension, and your target levels also change as you age.

To test your cholesterol levels or see to your other medical needs, schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson and the Quality Health Source team today.