Debunking Cholesterol Myths with Greg McCoy

According to the research we have so far, approximately 38% of American adults have high cholesterol. While this is a concerning number and people should definitely take care of their health, old research studies should be taken with a grain of salt.
Cholesterol is vital for the production of new tissue and it assists in producing bile in the liver, which is a fluid that helps you break down your food.
During a discussion on TheGuestList, Gym Owner, fitness nutritionist and personal trainer Greg McCoy debunked some of the cholesterol myths out there and provided valuable tips for a better diet.
Here are the 3 most common cholesterol myths:
1 – You shouldn’t consume more than 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day (a single egg has 212 milligrams).
In 2015, the FDA removed the daily limit of cholesterol saying that there’s no upper limit on dietary cholesterol because there is no link between dietary cholesterol and cholesterol in the blood.
There are two types of cholesterol – high-density HDL cholesterol which we’ve nicknamed “good” cholesterol, and low-density LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol.
The American Heart Association says the HDL helps lower the LDL (bad stuff) naturally.
When LDL starts to get too high in the blood you start to develop plaque on the insides and get hardening of arteries. That’s what leads to heart disease and heart attacks, which is why it’s important to get regular cholesterol tests.
High cholesterol foods are bad for us.
High cholesterol foods are not bad for our health but we need to watch out for the type of fat we consume on a daily basis.
Foods that are high in healthy unsaturated fats help increase HDL cholesterol levels. Examples of such foods include avocado, nuts, and grass-fed eggs.
Foods like butter or fatty cuts of meat contain saturated fats and they should be consumed in moderation. Make sure to pair these high-fatty foods with high-fiber foods like veggies, beans, or legumes, because fiber contributes to reducing LDL cholesterol.
Fit people don’t need to worry about cholesterol.
Externally healthy looking and internally healthy don’t go hand in hand all of the time. Genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors such as smoking and stress can boost our bad cholesterol.
Remember that there are no symptoms of high cholesterol and you’re never going to feel having issues with it. The only way to know is to get regular bloodwork done and have those cholesterol levels checked.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults over the age of 20 get their cholesterol checked at least every four years. Keeping our cholesterol info in check should be at the top of the list.
Don’t wait until you find out that there is a health issue to start working out and eating better. If you are from Allen, Dallas, or Plano, come for a workout at Hidden Gym and start working towards a healthier you with professional coaches and nutritionists. Get your free day pass here and come check us out!