Health Corner

Why Are People Afraid of “Cholesterol”?

Many people become anxious when they hear the word “cholesterol,” since it is often linked to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and vascular blockage.
But is completely avoiding cholesterol the right way to stay healthy? And are slim people truly immune from cholesterol problems?

Is It True That “the Lower the Cholesterol, the Better”?

No!
Cholesterol is an essential substance that helps maintain the structural integrity of cells. It is a type of fat that plays a key role in forming cell membranes, bile, and various hormones, and also helps digest dietary fats.

Cholesterol is divided into “good” and “bad” types:

• People with low good cholesterol (HDL below 1 mmol/L)

• People with high bad cholesterol (LDL above 3.4 mmol/L)

Both groups are at greater risk of developing heart disease.

Therefore, cholesterol should neither be too high nor too low — it’s all about maintaining a healthy balance.

Dietary Tips

• To reduce cholesterol absorption:
  Eat plenty of fresh fruits and high-fibre foods.

• To raise good cholesterol (HDL):
  Consume omega-3 fatty acids, found in deep-sea fish such as salmon or in fish oil supplements.

• To prevent the buildup of bad cholesterol (LDL):
  Avoid fatty and high-cholesterol foods such as fatty meat, animal organs, chicken skin, pork knuckles, duck feet, egg yolks, crab roe, hairy crabs, shrimp, oysters, and squid.

Do Slim People Need to Worry About Cholesterol?

Yes—everyone should pay attention!

Even slim individuals can have high cholesterol levels.
About 70% of cholesterol is produced naturally by the body, while only 30% comes from food.
Slim people may have genetic factors that cause the liver to produce excess cholesterol or prevent it from breaking down efficiently.

If you have a family history of high cholesterol, you must remain cautious—even if you appear slender.

Apart from Medication, How Can You Improve Cholesterol Levels?

Start with everyday habits!
Doctors frequently emphasize lifestyle adjustments:

• Maintain a healthy body weight.

• Eat a low-fat, low-salt, and low-sugar diet.

• Exercise regularly and stay active.

There is no medication more effective than healthy living.
Many patients who have committed to these habits have seen improvements in their cholesterol readings within three to six months.