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"Don't touch the eggs!" My mom snatched the omelette from my hand, her eyes full of panic, "Have you forgotten your cholesterol?" "
I sighed and watched helplessly as she threw my breakfast in the trash. As a 35-year-old office worker who had just been diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, I seemed to have become a "high-risk person" in my family overnight.
This scene reminds me of the results of last week's medical examination. When the doctor told me that my blood lipids were high, I was a little unimpressed. After all, I don't look fat, and I don't usually feel sick. But when I saw the shocking numbers in that report, I realized the magnitude of the problem.
Total cholesterol is 6.2 mmol/L and triglycerides are 2.3 mmol/L, which are far beyond the normal range. The doctor told me in all seriousness that if it wasn't controlled in time, I could be at risk of heart disease and stroke. The news hit me like a bolt from the blue.
Since that day, my diet has been strictly controlled. Fried foods, high-fat foods are all banned, and even my favorite eggs have become taboo. But is it really necessary to be so nervous? Are eggs really the culprit of cholesterol? With this question in mind, I decided to go to the hospital myself to find the answer.
Walking into the hospital's nutrition department, I met Dr. Wang. She is an amiable middle-aged woman, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes make people feel warm when she smiles.
"Dr. Wang, I was recently diagnosed with high blood lipids, and my family didn't let me eat eggs. But I've heard that eggs are actually good for the body, so should I eat them? I asked eagerly.
Dr. Wang smiled and motioned for me to sit down, "Xiao Zhang, you have a good question. Many people have such doubts. Let's explore the relationship between eggs and cholesterol. "
She took out a chart, pointed to the data on it and said, "Eggs do contain cholesterol, and one egg contains about 186 milligrams of cholesterol." But our body is a wonderful system that regulates its own cholesterol synthesis based on the amount of cholesterol in the diet. "
I was confused, "What does that mean?" "
"To put it simply, when we consume more cholesterol from food, the body reduces its own cholesterol synthesis. Vice versa. That's why many studies have found that moderate consumption of eggs does not significantly increase blood cholesterol levels. "
Dr. Wang goes on to explain, "In fact, research in recent years has started to change the way we think about eggs. For example, a 2018 study published in the United States Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that eating one egg per day was not significantly associated with cardiovascular disease risk. "
It dawned on me, "I see! So can I eat eggs with confidence? "
Dr. Wang smiled and shook his head, "You can't say that. Although eggs are not as 'heinous' as previously thought, they still need to be consumed in moderation for people with hyperlipidemia. "
She goes on to explain: "Eggs are not only cholesterol-rich, but also rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. Its nutritional value cannot be ignored. For example, the lecithin and choline in eggs are very important for brain health. A study published in the Journal of the United States Medical Association suggests that moderate egg consumption may help reduce the risk of stroke. "
Hearing this, I couldn't help but sigh: "I didn't expect eggs to have so many benefits!" "
Dr. Wang nodded, "Yes, eggs are indeed a highly nutritious food. It contains almost all the vitamins that the body needs, except for vitamin C. Moreover, the protein in eggs is extremely high quality and is one of the most absorbed proteins in the body. "
I asked curiously, "How many eggs can a hyperlipidemia patient eat a week?" "
"There is no one one-size-fits-all answer to this question," Dr. Wang patiently explains, "depending on the individual's physical condition, eating habits and lifestyle." In general, for patients with hyperlipidemia, I recommend that it is safer to consume 3-4 whole eggs per week. "
I was relieved to hear this. It turns out that eggs are not flood beasts, and moderate consumption is beneficial to the body.
Dr. Wang continued, "But Xiao Zhang, you have to remember that controlling hyperlipidemia is not just as simple as eating less or not eating certain foods. It is important to maintain a balanced diet, eat more vegetables and fruits, exercise moderately, and maintain good lifestyle habits. "
I nodded thoughtfully, "Are there any other foods that hyperlipidemia patients need to pay attention to besides eggs?" "
Dr. Wang smiled and said, "Clever question! Patients with hyperlipidemia should reduce their intake of saturated and trans fatty acids. For example, eat less animal offal, fatty meat, butter, etc. Instead, you can eat more foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids, such as olive oil, nuts, fish, etc. "
She added: "The dietary principles for controlling hyperlipidemia and the principles for a healthy diet are aligned. The Eastern Mediterranean dietary pattern we promote is a good example. This diet emphasizes eating more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and olive oil, eating fish and poultry in moderation and eating less red meat and processed foods. "
I nodded, "Sounds scientific." What about sports? Does it help control blood lipids? "
"Absolutely!" Dr. Wang affirms, "Proper exercise can raise the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), which we often call 'good' cholesterol. At the same time, exercise can also help control weight and improve insulin sensitivity, which have a positive effect on blood lipid control. "
I shook my head a little embarrassedly, "I'm too busy at work and don't exercise much." "
"Then be careful," Dr. Wong said solemnly, "you can start by walking for half an hour every day and gradually increase the amount of exercise." The United States Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. "
I remembered a question, "Is there a difference between a white egg and a whole egg?" "
"Good question!" Dr. Wang approvingly, "Egg whites contain almost no cholesterol, which is mainly concentrated in the yolk. So if you're particularly concerned about cholesterol intake, you can eat more egg whites and less egg yolks. But keep in mind that egg yolks also contain a lot of beneficial nutrients, and it's not a good idea to give them up completely. "
She goes on to explain: "Egg yolks are rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin. These substances are very important for eye health. Moreover, the lecithin in egg yolk can help emulsify cholesterol and promote cholesterol metabolism. "
It dawned on me, "I see! It seems that in the future, you can consider a whole egg and a white for breakfast. "
Dr. Wang nodded, "That's a good idea. But the way you cook it is also important. It is best to choose boiled, fried or steamed methods to avoid frying. "
I was curious and asked, "Why avoid frying?" "
"Fried foods add extra calories and fat intake," Dr. Wong explains, "and high-temperature cooking can produce some substances that are not good for health, such as acrylamide." So not only eggs, but also other foods should be fried as little as possible. "
I nodded thoughtfully, "Understood." It seems that controlling hyperlipidemia is really a science! "
Dr. Wang smiled and said, "Yes, but don't be too nervous. The important thing is to keep your balance and adjust slowly. Remember, diet is only one aspect of controlling blood lipids. Good lifestyle habits, proper exercise, and maintaining mental health are equally important. "
She continued: "It's also important to have regular check-ups. It is recommended that you have your blood lipids checked every 3-6 months and adjust your lifestyle in time according to the test results. If lipid control is not ideal with diet and exercise alone, drug therapy may be considered. "
I nodded, "I'll remember." Still, to be honest, I'm a little worried. Is hyperlipidemia really that scary? "
Dr. Wang looked at me understandingly, "Hyperlipidemia is indeed an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but it can be controlled. As long as we detect it in time and take the right measures, we can effectively reduce the risk. It is important to maintain a positive and optimistic mindset and not to be overly anxious. "
She added: "Actually, a lot of people have similar problems. According to the report on the status of nutrition and chronic diseases of Chinese residents, the prevalence of dyslipidemia among adults aged 18 and above in mainland China is 40.4%. You're not alone, and we have many ways to help you. "
Hearing this, I felt a lot more relaxed. "Thank you, Dr. Wang. I learned a lot today! "
Dr. Wang smiled and said, "You're welcome, it's my duty. Remember, health is a lifelong thing that requires long-term persistence. If you still have any questions, feel free to come to me. "
When I walked out of the hospital, I felt a lot more relaxed. It turns out that eggs are not flood beasts, and high blood lipids are not invincible enemies. It is important to approach the diet with a scientific attitude and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
When I got home, I couldn't wait to share today's harvest with my mother. Looking at her surprised expression, I couldn't help but smile. "Mom, can we have an omelet together for breakfast tomorrow?" I said half-jokingly.
Mom hesitated, then smiled and nodded. "Okay, but add some vegetables." She said.
Together, we flipped through some healthy recipes and decided to try some new cooking methods. For example, replace regular cooking oil with olive oil, increase your intake of whole grains, and try some fish dishes. We even plan to grow some vegetables in the backyard so that it will not only be fresh but also a way to relax.
In the evening, I sorted out what I learned today and made a simple health plan. I decided to stick to a 30-minute walk every day and play basketball at a nearby park on the weekends. In terms of diet, I will pay more attention to balance, but not too harsh. After all, life still needs a little fun.
Lying in bed, I think back to this experience. From the initial panic to the current calmness, I feel like I've grown a lot. The diagnosis of hyperlipidemia made me start to value my health and learn to treat my diet and life more scientifically.
This experience has taught me that many times, we may have misconceptions about our health. It is important to learn more, understand more, and treat our bodies with a scientific attitude. Hyperlipidemia does need to be taken seriously, but there is no need to panic too much. With a sensible diet, moderate exercise, and good lifestyle habits, we are in complete control of our health.
From today on, I decided to be a savvy "eater" and a happy "athlete". After all, a healthy life is the most wonderful life. As for the delicious egg, it will still be a regular at my table, but I will know how to live in harmony with it better.
Closing my eyes, I am full of anticipation for the future. Perhaps this experience is not only about health, but also an opportunity to rediscover yourself and redefine your life. I believe that as long as we maintain a positive and optimistic attitude and adhere to a scientific and healthy lifestyle, we can create a better life.
Tomorrow's sunshine will definitely be brighter, and I'm ready to welcome my new self.
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(The story in the article is purely fictional, if there is any similarity is purely coincidental, if the body is not well, seek medical help in time)