If that last part took your head for a spin, let me explain.
Your body produces cholesterol to help make cell membranes, hormones, and more. You need it. What you eat can stimulate your body to produce more of it, as well as different kinds.
High-sugar foods prompt your body to produce a particular type of LDL cholesterol. This is the kind of cholesterol you want to lower; it can accumulate in veins to make them hard and narrow, potentially resulting in some severe heart problems.
On the other hand, certain foods can stimulate your body to produce HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is the good stuff: it helps remove LDL deposits and improve heart health.
Foods that can help boost HDL include olive oil, fatty fish, high-fibre fruit, beans and legumes, nuts, whole grains, and other foods commonly classified as “healthy.”
You can see that when it comes to cholesterol, things aren’t so black and white. You definitely need it and want to do your best to increase certain forms.
You may notice that many of the HDL-friendly foods are rich in fibre. So, you’re really getting more bang for your buck when you eat them. Fibre also helps remove cholesterol “plaque” from your arteries to promote healthy blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
If you’re looking to lower cholesterol, diet is a great place to start. Prioritizing fibre intake and looking for other fresh foods can help you get on your way. Limit processed food intake and do your best to stay away from added sugars most of the time.