Having high cholesterol increases a person’s risk of developing serious conditions, such as heart disease. Usually, when an older adult is diagnosed with high cholesterol, the doctor may prescribe medications and recommend that they make some lifestyle changes. Among the changes they’ll be asked to make is changing the way that they eat. This means certain kinds of foods should be limited or avoided. If your aging relative enjoys cheese, this may be one of the foods they’ll need to be careful about eating too much of.
How Cheese Affects Cholesterol
The bad news? Dairy products, including cheese, are the culprits that are most likely to increase cholesterol levels. The good news? Some cheeses contain less cholesterol than others, so it is still possible to enjoy cheese in moderation.
Most kinds of cheese are relatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol, so it’s important to read nutritional labels so that you can balance the cheese with other foods eaten that day. According to the USDA Food Composition Database, the kind of cheese that is worst for cholesterol is cheddar. One cup contains 24.9 grams of saturated fat and 131 mg of cholesterol. The second worst is Swiss, which contains 24.1 grams of saturated fat and 123 mg of cholesterol. Whenever possible, choose fat-free cheese, which has only 5 mg of cholesterol and no saturated fat.
Other Ways to Lower Cholesterol
Certainly, making dietary changes is important for lowering cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic recommends following a heart healthy diet that eliminates trans fats, includes foods high in omega-3s, and contains more fiber. However, there are other things that can help your aging relative to lower cholesterol when combined with a healthy diet. Other lifestyle changes to make are:
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322044.php
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935
https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/features/11-tips-to-cut-your-cholesterol-fast#1
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOME SENIOR CARE IN THE NEAR NORTH, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.
How Cheese Affects Cholesterol
The bad news? Dairy products, including cheese, are the culprits that are most likely to increase cholesterol levels. The good news? Some cheeses contain less cholesterol than others, so it is still possible to enjoy cheese in moderation.
Most kinds of cheese are relatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol, so it’s important to read nutritional labels so that you can balance the cheese with other foods eaten that day. According to the USDA Food Composition Database, the kind of cheese that is worst for cholesterol is cheddar. One cup contains 24.9 grams of saturated fat and 131 mg of cholesterol. The second worst is Swiss, which contains 24.1 grams of saturated fat and 123 mg of cholesterol. Whenever possible, choose fat-free cheese, which has only 5 mg of cholesterol and no saturated fat.
Other Ways to Lower Cholesterol
Certainly, making dietary changes is important for lowering cholesterol. The Mayo Clinic recommends following a heart healthy diet that eliminates trans fats, includes foods high in omega-3s, and contains more fiber. However, there are other things that can help your aging relative to lower cholesterol when combined with a healthy diet. Other lifestyle changes to make are:
- Physical Activity: Encourage your loved one to exercise on most days of the week. Physical activity helps to increase good cholesterol.
- Don’t Smoke: If the older adult smokes, quitting can help to increase good cholesterol.
- Manage Weight: Being overweight is one of the things that contributes to high cholesterol. Losing as little as 5 percent of body weight can make a difference.
- Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Some research indicates that drinking a moderate amount of alcohol can increase good cholesterol. However, experts say that the benefits aren’t enough to recommend that a person who doesn’t drink start. But, if your aging relative does drink alcohol, they should limit the amount to one drink per day.
Sources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322044.php
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/reduce-cholesterol/art-20045935
https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/features/11-tips-to-cut-your-cholesterol-fast#1
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING HIRING IN-HOME SENIOR CARE IN THE NEAR NORTH, IL, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT BRIGHTSTAR CARE CHICAGO. CALL TODAY: 312.382.8888.