The "China Cardiovascular Disease Report 2015," released this year, reveals that the Chinese population is widely exposed to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, with the prevalence of hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and obesity continuing to rise. 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 contents are found in egg yolks, roe, and animal offal. High blood cholesterol is not only related to a high-cholesterol diet but is also associated with many poor dietary habits, such as eating infrequently large meals, having dinner too late, preferring refined grains, being a picky eater, and having a fondness for sweets or fried and grilled foods.
Currently, China still faces a severe situation of "one high and three lows" regarding 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 habits: First, be moderate in your diet, maintain a balanced distribution of calories, avoid overeating or starving, do not be a picky eater, and refrain from binge eating or stuffing yourself. Change the habit of having a rich dinner and eating late-night snacks before bed. Second, focus on dietary 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 cooking methods like frying; instead, opt for steaming, boiling, or grilling whenever possible. Fourth, lose weight, increase physical labor and exercise, and quit smoking while limiting alcohol intake. For those whose blood lipids still do not meet targets even after making significant lifestyle improvements, medication must be combined to control blood lipids.