In a fast-paced lifestyle, consuming easy-to-cook packaged food has become a norm for people. Though it is easy to cook, it can badly affect one’s health and increase the level of bad cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can increase your risk of developing heart disease and stroke, the two leading causes of death worldwide. Cholesterol is a type of fat found in our blood and is essential for the body to function properly.
Sitting all day without any exercise and consuming fatty food can increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, fatty liver and many other fatal lifestyle diseases. Unhealthy and mindless eating between meals also contributes to raising cholesterol levels. These things can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
Hence, here are some unhealthy habits that can increase the level of bad cholesterol.
10 Unhealthy Eating Habits That Can Increase Bad Cholesterol Levels
consuming excessive amounts of saturated fat
Foods high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products and fried foods, can increase levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.
processed and fast food
Processed and fast foods are often high in trans fats, which can raise LDL cholesterol and lower good cholesterol (HDL). From Indian street food to western fast food, they all have high levels of LDL cholesterol. It not only increases cholesterol but can also become a major factor contributing to obesity, diabetes and PCOS.
irregular eating patterns
When you skip meals or go without eating for long periods of time, your body produces more LDL cholesterol to provide energy for your cells, which can raise overall cholesterol levels.
eating too many refined carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, and sugary snacks, can raise triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood) and lower HDL cholesterol, leading to high cholesterol levels.
heavy drinking
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can raise LDL cholesterol levels and raise triglycerides.
eating too much red meat
Red meat is high in saturated fat, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels. Choose lean meats such as chicken or turkey, or try plant-based protein sources such as beans, tofu, or lentils.
consuming fewer fruits and vegetables in the diet
Fruits and vegetables contain high fiber which will help us to reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol. Hence it is essential to have a nutritious diet to keep cholesterol levels under control and to remove toxins from the body and cleanse vital organs like liver, intestine and kidney.
Using Unhealthy Cooking Oil
Cooking with oils high in saturated and trans fats, such as palm oil or hydrogenated oils, can increase bad cholesterol levels.
consuming too much sugar
Consuming too much sugar can raise triglycerides, which can increase cholesterol levels.
consuming too many high-fat dairy products
High-fat dairy products, such as cheese and butter, can increase LDL cholesterol levels. Try low-fat dairy products or plant-based alternatives like almond or soy milk.
(This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice provided by qualified medical professionals.)