KONTAN.CO.ID – Jakarta. High cholesterol is a health problem that many adults over the age of 40 complain about. In order not to cause dangerous diseases, here are the characteristics of high cholesterol and foods that can lower cholesterol naturally.
Reporting from Kompas.com, high cholesterol is a condition when a person has too many fatty substances in their blood. This fat accumulation is caused by eating fatty foods, not exercising enough, being overweight, smoking, and drinking alcohol.
Too much cholesterol can clog a person’s blood vessels. This makes a person more at risk of heart problems or stroke. Then, what are the characteristics of the body when experiencing high cholesterol levels?
Characteristics of high cholesterol
At least, there are 9 characteristics of a person experiencing high cholesterol levels in his body, such as eye problems, cramps, and leg pain. Here are the characteristics of high cholesterol that need to be recognized early.
1. Xanthelasma
One of the characteristics of high cholesterol, namely xanthelasma or yellow spots appear under the eyelids.
2. Xanthomata
Other characteristics of high cholesterol, namely xanthomata or cholesterol buildup seen in body tissues, especially in the skin and veins. A person who has xanthomata usually has swelling that is round and yellowish in color.
Also Read: In addition to exercise, this is a daily activity that lowers cholesterol fast
3. Pain in the chest
High cholesterol levels result in the buildup of plaque in blood vessels. As a result, a person with high cholesterol can experience symptoms / characteristics of chest pain. This condition is the beginning of heart disease or heart attack as a complication of high cholesterol.
4. Neck pain
The neck feels sore can also be one of the characteristics of high cholesterol. This condition is associated with a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels in the neck area. This plaque buildup can block the flow of blood from the neck to the brain.
5. Tired easily
Furthermore, the characteristics of a person experiencing high cholesterol that is common is the body is easily tired. This is triggered by the appearance of plaque in the blood vessels due to high cholesterol levels, resulting in reduced blood flow to body tissues and causes fatigue.
6. Often sleepy
Drowsiness is also one of the characteristics of high cholesterol and the presence of blockages in blood vessels. This condition is associated with a lack of intake of blood flow that carries oxygen to the brain.
7. Changes in skin and nail color
Reduced blood flow to the arms and legs due to cholesterol buildup can change the color of the skin on the feet and nails. This discoloration occurs because the cells in the arms and legs do not get an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients from the blood.
8. Wounds that are difficult to heal
Wounds on the arms and legs that are difficult to heal can also be one of the characteristics of high cholesterol. This is because blood flow to the arms and legs is disrupted so that these tissues are deprived of oxygen and nutrients. Generally, the wound will turn brown and black in color.
9. Leg pain
Another characteristic of high cholesterol is leg pain. It is often found that people with high cholesterol will experience pain in the legs. The cause, namely fatigue and the buildup of cholesterol plaque in the arteries in the legs. This causes blood flow to be blocked and pain or tenderness appears in the legs. This condition can also occur in the hands.
Cholesterol lowering food
There are many ways to lower high cholesterol in the blood. In addition to using drugs, a number of foods can also be a way to lower high cholesterol.
Reporting from Kompas.com, one of the high cholesterol-lowering foods is fish. According to Medical News Today, people who have high cholesterol or are maintaining their cholesterol levels are advised to add fish to their diet.
Some seafood, such as lobster, oysters, and crab, is one of the causes of cholesterol. However, almost all fish contain omega 3 and are low in saturated fat, which means they are also low in cholesterol risk.
Not only lowering cholesterol, the content in fish also reduces the risk of cardiovascular (heart) disease. The American Health Association recommends eating at least 220 grams of fish per week to lower cholesterol.
However, the types of fish are very diverse and many fish contain mercury. So, which type of fish is suitable to be a high cholesterol-lowering food and is safe from mercury?
Also Read: 5 Fruits That Make Cholesterol Collapse
The following are high cholesterol-lowering foods that are safe for consumption:
1. Salmon
The first food ingredient for lowering high cholesterol is salmon. There are many healthy ways to process salmon, namely boiling it at low temperatures, grilling it directly over the fire, and baking it in the oven using aluminum foil.
2. Trout
The second high cholesterol lowering food is trout. To keep saturated fat low, trout can be roasted or boiled with chicken or vegetable broth. Trout can also be used as a salad or fish pie.
3. Sardines
The third food ingredient for lowering high cholesterol is sardines. Sardines that are ready to serve in cans at the supermarket are also a great alternative. In addition to its low price, its quick serving can save time on a busy day.
4. Catfish
The fourth food ingredient for lowering high cholesterol is catfish. Not only the price is cheap and easy to find anywhere, catfish is also high in omega 3 and low in calories suitable for lowering cholesterol.
Those are the characteristics of high cholesterol and high cholesterol-lowering foods that are safe for consumption. Don’t forget to change your lifestyle if you want to lower high cholesterol.
(Source: Kompas.com/Maya Citra Rosa, Alinda Hardiantoro, Giovani Cornelia | Editors: Maya Citra Rosa, Rizal Setyo Nugroho, Resa Eka Ayu Sartika)
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