How Much Cholesterol Should I

The recommended daily cholesterol intake is less than 300 milligrams (mg) per day for adults. This amount may be lower for people with certain health conditions, such as heart disease or high cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in all animal products. It is also produced by the body. Cholesterol is essential for many bodily functions, such as the production of hormones and vitamin D. However, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The main sources of cholesterol in the diet are:

* Red meat

* Poultry with skin

* Full-fat dairy products

* Eggs

* Shellfish

* Processed meats

There are several things you can do to reduce your cholesterol intake, including:

* Choose lean protein sources, such as fish, chicken without skin, and tofu.

* Limit your intake of red meat and processed meats.

* Choose low-fat or non-fat dairy products.

* Limit your intake of eggs to no more than one per day.

* Avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, such as butter, lard, and coconut oil.

* Choose foods that are high in soluble fiber, such as oats, barley, and beans.

Soluble fiber helps to bind cholesterol in the digestive tract and prevent it from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend that you take medication to lower your cholesterol levels.

It is important to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Here are some additional tips for lowering your cholesterol:

* Get regular exercise. Exercise helps to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

* Quit smoking. Smoking damages the arteries and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

* Manage your blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage the arteries and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

* Control your diabetes. Diabetes can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

* Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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