Cholesterol: is it really as bad as people say?

Cholesterol often suffers from a bad reputation as a primary cause of cardiovascular disease. But the truth is more complex than that, and some tyupes of cholesterol are more harmful than others. Cholesterol is a vital substance that is needed for a number of different functions in the body, including the formation of cell membranes and hormones.
08.11.2023 | 2 minutes reading time
Author:
Content-Team SWICA
There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDL cholesterol is often called "bad" cholesterol because having high levels of it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, transports excess cholesterol from your blood vessels to the liver where it is then broken down, and can therefore be considered "good" cholesterol.

To maintain a healthy balance, it's important to monitor your LDL cholesterol. A well-balanced diet that is rich in fibre, healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids can help lower your LDL cholesterol. Foods such as whole grains, nuts, avocado and fatty fish are good options. You should, however, only consume small amounts of foods with a lot of fatty acids as they can raise your LDL cholesterol. Consumption should therefore be moderate for:

  • Red meat (2-3 times a week only), sausages (once a week only)
  • Fried food
  • Trans-fatty acids (industrially produced fats that are mainly used for fast food and sweets)

Regular physical activity is another key factor when it comes to maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Doing exercise not only helps control your weight, but it also raises your HDL cholesterol level.

It is however essential to highlight that there are differences between individuals. Some people tend to be more sensitive to cholesterol in their diet than others. That's why it's advisable to get a health check-up from time to time, and to consult with a medical professional or nutrition expert to get the best recommendations for your own health.
In a nutshell: cholesterol is not fundamentally bad, and it's actually more important to maintain a balance between your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. By eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity and taking individually adapted steps, you can help keep your cholesterol within a healthy range and minimise the risks for your cardiovascular health.

A healthy diet promotes wellbeing

A varied and balanced diet makes a big difference to your wellbeing, and can boost your health in the long term. As a holistic healthcare organisation, SWICA puts the health of its customers at the forefront rather than focusing on illness. For this reason, SWICA customers benefit from attractive prevention contributions of up to 900 francs per year and a wide range of health offers related to nutrition.

For your health: santé24 and SWICA Benecura

Do you have a health question? Our physicians and healthcare professionals at santé24 are available 24/7 on +41 44 404 86 86 for SWICA customers. In addition to telephone health advice, patients whose conditions are appropriate for telemedicine can receive medical services such as diagnostics, treatment, and even e-prescriptions for prescription medications.

Do you feel ill? The SWICA Benecura medical app makes it easy to carry out a digital SymptomCheck. You will receive a personal recommendation about what to do next. Send your information in encrypted form to the santé24 online practice for your telephone consultation to significantly shorten the assessment.

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