Cholesterol is often known as the “bad guy” when it comes to health. However, the truth is that cholesterol is an essential component to the body and too low of levels can even be harmful.

High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease, which is why it’s important to manage cholesterol levels. However, there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding high cholesterol that need to be addressed.

Myth #1: All cholesterol is bad

There are two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the body.

LDL, on the other hand, is known as the “bad” cholesterol because it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease. Total cholesterol levels are made up of both HDL and LDL levels, so it’s important to have a balance of both for optimal health.

Myth #2: High cholesterol only affects older people

While it’s true that cholesterol levels tend to increase with age, high cholesterol can occur in people of all ages. Genetics, lifestyle factors, and certain medical conditions can all contribute to high cholesterol levels at any age.

It’s important to have cholesterol levels checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

Myth #3: No symptoms mean no problems

High cholesterol doesn’t typically cause symptoms, which is why it’s often referred to as a “silent killer.” However, just because there aren’t any noticeable symptoms doesn’t mean that high cholesterol isn’t harmful. High cholesterol levels can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can eventually lead to heart disease.

It’s important to get cholesterol levels checked regularly and make lifestyle changes if necessary to manage cholesterol levels.

Myth #4: If you exercise regularly, you don’t have to worry about high cholesterol

Exercise is an important component of heart health and can help improve cholesterol levels. However, exercise alone may not be enough to manage high cholesterol levels. Diet also plays a key role in managing cholesterol levels.

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help improve cholesterol levels. In some cases, medication may also be necessary to manage high cholesterol levels.

Myth #5: It’s impossible to lower high cholesterol levels

While high cholesterol levels can be challenging to manage, it’s not impossible to lower cholesterol levels. Lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking can help improve cholesterol levels.

In some cases, medication may also be necessary to manage high cholesterol levels. If you have high cholesterol levels, speak with your healthcare provider about the best plan of action to manage your cholesterol levels.

Myth #6: Eating eggs will raise your cholesterol levels

Eggs have long been associated with high cholesterol levels, but the truth is that eating eggs in moderation may actually have health benefits.

While eggs do contain cholesterol, they also contain many other important nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. The American Heart Association recommends limiting dietary cholesterol to 300 milligrams per day, which is about one egg. However, for most people, eating eggs in moderation is unlikely to raise cholesterol levels significantly.

Myth #7: You have to avoid all fats to manage high cholesterol

Fat is an important part of a healthy diet, and not all fats are created equal. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, found in foods such as nuts, seeds, and oily fish, can actually help improve cholesterol levels.

Saturated and trans fats, found in foods such as red meat and processed foods, can contribute to high cholesterol levels. It’s important to choose healthy fats and limit or avoid unhealthy fats to manage cholesterol levels.

Myth #8: Cholesterol-lowering medication is dangerous

Cholesterol-lowering medication, such as statins, can be an effective way to manage high cholesterol levels.

While all medications come with potential side effects, the benefits of taking cholesterol-lowering medication can outweigh the risks for many people. If you have high cholesterol levels, speak with your healthcare provider about the best plan of action to manage your cholesterol levels.

Myth #9: Only overweight people have high cholesterol

While being overweight can contribute to high cholesterol levels, people of all sizes can have high cholesterol. Genetics, lifestyle factors, and certain medical conditions can all contribute to high cholesterol levels, regardless of weight.

It’s important to have cholesterol levels checked regularly, especially if you have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.

Myth #10: Supplements can lower high cholesterol

While some supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, may have some cholesterol-lowering benefits, there is limited evidence to support the use of supplements for managing high cholesterol levels.

It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements to manage high cholesterol levels.