While eating breakfast may be healthy, not all foods are created the same. Learn what the worst breakfast for cholesterol is and how it affects you.
It’s essential that you keep your cholesterol levels at a healthy range, but how do you do it? Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that the body produces naturally and it exists in your blood. However, you can also get it from food, which is how people develop high cholesterol.
There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. When experts warn people about high cholesterol, they’re referring to LDL cholesterol (the “bad” type). It’s known as the bad cholesterol because too much of it causes plaque buildup in the arteries, blocking circulation.
In contrast, HDL cholesterol is the good type, as it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. If you want to keep your cholesterol levels in the normal range, you can start by focusing on your diet. While there is no one food that can significantly affect your cholesterol, it’s a good idea to eat an overall healthy diet.
The Worst Breakfast
Laura Burak, MS, RD, is the author of Slimdown with Smoothies and the founder of Laura Burak Nutrition. According to her, you need to avoid breakfast food high in added sugar (donuts, muffins, pancakes, etc.).
“Most people think animal foods like eggs or dairy will raise your cholesterol levels, but the main culprit when it comes to your diet has to do with the amount of added sugar and processed foods in your diet,” says Burak. “A diet high in added sugar is going to set off a cascade of processes in the body that can lead to weight gain and increased cholesterol and triglycerides.”
Foods with empty calories that come in the form of added sugar mean they don’t provide the nutrients you need. As a result, you’re not getting the fiber and protein that you need, and your LDL cholesterol levels may rise. In addition, added sugar can negatively affect your liver health, which directly impacts your levels.
However, there are plenty of healthy breakfast options that are full of fiber and improve your levels such as oatmeal. Finally, Burak suggests that you “focus on whole, unprocessed foods like avocado on grainy bread and eggs for breakfast and look at the big picture when it comes to your diet and lifestyle, instead of singling out certain foods to lower cholesterol.”
The Outlook
If you want to improve your cholesterol levels, start by removing foods with added sugar from your breakfast menu. Instead, substitute it with healthy options like oatmeal and fruits, avocado on grainy bread, and similar healthy foods.
In addition to a healthy breakfast, you can give your health an extra boost by taking supplements like L-arginine Plus. It can effectively promote your circulation, blood pressure health, cholesterol health, and more.
Give your cholesterol the support it deserves and start eating healthier and taking L-arginine Plus.