Khaberni - Dr. Olga Tarasova, Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Mother and Child Health Institute of Pirogov University, stated that three food groups increase the level of harmful cholesterol in the blood.
The expert says: "The first group includes trans fats (hydrogenated), which are industrially modified vegetable oils that turn to solid state. These fats are among the most dangerous of all as they raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels causing inflammation that damages blood vessels. This group includes vegetable ghee, cheap baked goods, french fries, potato chips, fried foods, some types of popcorn, and sweets."
The second group comprises saturated fats, which become harmful when consumed excessively as they stimulate the liver to produce more cholesterol. Their sources include fatty red meats such as pork, lamb, and beef brisket, in addition to pork fat, butter, palm oil, coconut oil, and full-fat dairy products like cheeses containing more than 30% fat, cream, and sour cream.
"However, these fats should not be completely excluded because they are involved in hormone synthesis, but their proportion in the diet should not exceed 7-10% of daily caloric intake."
The third group includes products rich in easily digestible carbohydrates and added sugar.
"While these foods do not contain cholesterol, excessive consumption leads to a sharp increase in insulin levels, which activates the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme, the main contributor to cholesterol synthesis in the liver. The liver also converts excess glucose into triglycerides. These fats' sources include sugar, sweetened carbonated beverages, canned juices, pastries made from white flour, white rice, and sweets."
