The "China Cardiovascular Disease Report 2015" released this year shows that the Chinese population is widely exposed to risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, with the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and obesity continuing to increase. Among the many risk factors, abnormal cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, sudden cardiac death, and ischemic stroke. Therefore, controlling cholesterol intake in the diet will be a key measure in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Cholesterol is an essential substance in the cells of animal tissues, and abnormal cholesterol metabolism is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. Cholesterol in nature is mainly found in animal-based foods. Generally, the cholesterol content of red meat is higher than that of poultry, fatty meat is higher than lean meat, and shellfish and mollusks are higher than most fish. The highest cholesterol content is found in egg yolks, roe, and animal organs. High blood cholesterol is not only related to a high-cholesterol diet but is also associated with many poor eating habits, such as eating less frequently, having dinner too late, preferring refined grains, being a picky eater, and liking sweets or fried and grilled foods.
Currently, China still faces the severe situation of "one high and three lows" for dyslipidemia: a high prevalence rate but low rates of awareness, treatment, and control. We need to control blood lipids and actively meet targets by improving various lifestyle factors: First, moderate your diet, maintain a balanced distribution of calories, avoid overeating or undereating, do not be picky, and refrain from binge eating or stuffing yourself. Change the habit of having a lavish dinner and eating late-night snacks before bed. Second, focus on food diversity, combine whole grains with refined grains in your staple foods, eat more vegetables and fruits, moderately consume legumes and dairy products, and regularly eat moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and lean meat. Third, eat a light, low-salt diet; avoid or eat less sweets and cholesterol-rich foods; and avoid frying or deep-frying when cooking. Instead, opt for steaming, boiling, or grilling methods. Fourth, lose weight, increase physical labor and exercise, quit smoking, and limit alcohol consumption. For those whose blood lipids do not meet the targets even after making significant lifestyle changes, medication must be used in combination to control blood lipids.