5 Foods that Seem Healthy but Aren’t Good for Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of sterol compound found in your body tissues. Your body needs a certain amount of cholesterol in order to make hormones and produce substances that your body needs in order to digest food. It is also important to understand LDL VS. HDL cholesterol.
LDL is low-density lipoprotein. It is sometimes called bad cholesterol. It transports cholesterol to the tissues in your body. HDL is high-density lipoprotein. It helps remove cholesterol from the blood. Following a healthy diet can improve your cholesterol. However, there are some foods that can actually raise your cholesterol:
1. Multigrain bread
You may have been told that whole grains are good for your cholesterol. However, multi-grain bread is not good for your cholesterol. Wheat flour is one of the main ingredients in multigrain bread. Wheat flour can raise your LDL. It is best for you to avoid breads that have enriched on the label. It is much better for you to choose whole grain bread over multi-grain bread.
2. Yogurt
Yogurt is often praised for its health benefits. It has probiotics, which support gut health. However, yogurt is not as healthy as many people think that it is. Full-fat dairy products like yogurt have been shown to raise cholesterol. Additionally, many people top their yogurt with unhealthy toppings, such as candy and cookies. If you love yogurt, then it is best for you to choose plain Greek yogurt. You should also top it with fruit instead of candy and cookies.
3. Energy bars
People use energy bars because they need an extra boost to get through the day. They also use them as a meal replacement. However, the average energy bar is not much better than a candy bar. In fact, energy bars have just as many calories, fat and sugar as candy bars. Furthermore, energy bars are filled with ingredients that can raise your cholesterol. This includes preservatives and artificial colors. If you want to eat an energy bar, then you should choose one that has ingredients that you recognize.
4. Dried fruit
Fruit is good for you. However, it is best for you to stick to fresh fruit. Dried fruit is very high in fructose, which is a type of sugar. People who have high cholesterol should limit their intake of fructose. It is also high in calories.
5. Granola
Granola is often added to yogurt and other snacks. However, granola is typically high in sugar and fat. The ingredients are typically loaded with honey and other sweeteners. You should try muesli instead of granola. It is a lot like granola, but it does not have as much sugar and oil. You can also make your own granola at home and leave out the extra ingredients.