Cholesterol Myths & Trans Fat Facts

Concerned about your own cholesterol numbers, or simply want another chance to have them checked?  Illinois Tech health plan members can do so for free on November 5 or 16, 2018.  Sign up now by clicking here. 

Knowing the common misconceptions about cholesterol is half the battle.

Cholesterol can be both good and bad. That’s why it’s important to learn the facts about cholesterol, how it can affect your health, and how to manage your blood cholesterol levels. 

Beware of the following misconceptions about cholesterol:

·     Choices about diet and physical activity are the only contributors to cholesterol levels.

·     Using margarine instead of butter will lower cholesterol.

·     Taking medication for high cholesterol means not having to worry about what you eat.

·     High cholesterol is only a man’s problem.

·     You don’t have to have cholesterol checked until you reach middle age.

It's important to know your numbers; LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and your overall ratio can be indicators of your risk for heart disease. Confused or overwhelmed?  The Mayo Clinic has some great information here. 

Trans fats can play a big role, too.

Checked your oil lately? While a small amount of the trans fat we eat is found naturally in animal foods, the majority of the trans fat in our diet comes from the addition of hydrogen to liquid oils, making them more solid — the process called hydrogenation. The consumption of trans fat and saturated fat raises low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol — also known as ‘bad cholesterol’ and increases your risk of heart disease.

To keep your engine running smoothly:

• Choose liquid vegetable oils that are high in unsaturated fats, such as canola, corn, olive, peanut, safflower, sesame, soybean and sunflower oils.
• If you prefer margarine, buy varieties made with unsaturated liquid vegetable oils as the first ingredient. Choose soft tub or liquid margarine or vegetable oil spreads.
• Avoid fried and battered foods, cake mixes, pie mixes, and similar foods.

By: Viktoria Rill

Sources: American Heart Association, National Heart Blood and Lung Institute, Medlineplus.gov, Mayoclinic.org.