5 Common Mistakes About Food and Heart Health
To keep the heart healthy, we need neither give up all our favorite foods nor fully offset the effects of an unhealthy diet through exercise. Some common beliefs about cholesterol, eggs, red meat, and cholesterol-lowering drugs are also inaccurate, and correcting them can help people make better decisions about heart care.
Ambassador Arjan- In order to take care of the heart, we don't need to completely eliminate some foods or imagine that exercise alone will solve all problems. What is important is the sum of our daily habits; From the type of food we eat to the level of physical activity, blood pressure and cholesterol.
1. High good cholesterol does not neutralize bad cholesterol
There are different types of blood cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, which is called bad cholesterol, if it is too high, it can eventually accumulate in the walls of the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.
HDL cholesterol, also known as good cholesterol, helps transport excess cholesterol to the liver. But being high in HDL does not mean that you can ignore the increase in LDL.
For this reason, both types of cholesterol, as well as blood pressure, blood sugar, and other risk factors, should be considered to assess heart health.
2. Don't stop cholesterol medicine because of the fear of side effects
Statins are drugs that help reduce bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people who need treatment.
These drugs may cause side effects such as muscle pain in some people, but not all muscle pain is due to statin use. If you experience muscle pain or weakness after starting the medication, the doctor can investigate the cause and change the medication or dosage if needed.
Arbitrary discontinuation of medication may increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, if you are concerned about drug side effects, consult your doctor before making any changes.
3. Exercising does not make up for unhealthy eating
Regular exercise helps keep the heart healthy, controls blood pressure, and helps maintain a healthy weight. But exercise cannot eliminate all the effects of an unhealthy diet.
To take care of the heart, it is better to consume more vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish and nuts along with physical activity. On the contrary, it is better to limit the consumption of very fatty foods, products containing trans fats and highly processed foods.
Adequate sleep and avoiding smoking are also important along with exercise and proper nutrition.
4. Not everyone needs to give up eggs
Eggs are a source of protein and nutrients and can be part of a healthy diet. Its consumption alone does not mean that blood cholesterol will definitely increase.
Of course, people's reactions to cholesterol in food are different. For heart health, not only one food is important; Rather, the amount of food consumed, especially the amount of saturated fat in the diet, plays an important role.
People with high cholesterol, diabetes or heart disease should consult a doctor or nutritionist about the right amount of eggs to consume.
5. Completely eliminating red meat is not necessary for everyone
Red meat has protein, iron and vitamin B12, but the amount and type of consumption is important. Fatty meats can have a lot of saturated fat, and high consumption of processed meats such as sausages and sausages is associated with an increased risk of some diseases.
If you consume red meat, it is better to choose low-fat portions, keep the amount of consumption balanced and reduce the consumption of sausages and sausages.
You can also get some of the protein your body needs from beans, fish, nuts, and chicken.
You don't have to give up all your favorite foods to reduce your risk of heart disease. Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, control of blood pressure and cholesterol, adequate sleep and avoiding smoking are important together.
If you take cholesterol-lowering medication or have heart disease, talk to your doctor about changing your diet or medications. Sudden chest pain or pressure, especially if accompanied by shortness of breath, cold sweats, or pain radiating to the arm and jaw, requires immediate emergency care.