Cholesterol: What You Need to Know

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One day high cholesterol is bad the next day is good. Then you hear sugar is really the secret to losing weight and staying healthy. Now all of a sudden saturated fats are the only thing to worry about. I can only imagine how confused you are. 

In 1960, the American Heart Association recommended cholesterol levels of 300 or less. Then food labels were created and enforced in 1994. In 2010, warnings of high cholesterol resulting in stroke, diabetes and heart attack were advised. Now in February 2015, the nations top nutrition advisory panel announced the potential drop of their longstanding warnings about cholesterol levels. 

Generally, nutrition research is very complex and we've seen it come to the surface only recently. The finding follows an evolution of thinking from top nutritionists who believe the greater danger is in consuming too many foods high in saturated fats such as fatty meats, whole milk and butter. [Washington Post] 

For your health, it's important to know your LDL (bad) cholesterol level and HDL (good) cholesterol level.

HDL is considered "good cholesterol" and LDL is "bad." Your HDL levels should be over 60  and LDL less than 100, totaling to below 200. But the key fact about cholesterol to understand is our bodies individually metabolize it differently. Genetics and family history also plays a huge role in high cholesterol. 

There's no prescription for eggs or other foods to stay away from. Everyone's metabolism and family history is different. 

When it comes to dietary guidelines, we have to be very careful about how we educate Americans on cholesterol levels. They're looking at a mass population - We have to look at people individually and recommend the best health prevention path. 

Cholesterol Check-Up

  • Get an annual check-up with your doctor and have your cholesterol (both HDL and LDL) checked - get a baseline
  • Talk to your doctor about your family history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes etc.
  • Cholesterol Home Kits are available but do your research on these and consult with your doctor