Heres how you could support your heart and cognitive health all at once.
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The good news is that researchers have actually figured out a lot about cholesterol levels.
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Plus, we now know that keeping your cholesterol balanced hasmore to do with saturated fatthan dietary cholesterol.
All this ongoing research into cholesterol has also yielded interesting findings about the connection between cholesterol and cognitive decline.
They also wanted to assess the influence of statin therapy on dementia risk.
(Statins are commonly prescribed drugs to help lower cholesterol levels.)
How Was This Study Conducted?
The information was gathered from outpatients who were at least 18 years old between November 1986 and December 2020.
Each participants baseline was the day their LDL-C level was measured.
What Did This Study Find?
This study revealed several findings.
There are a few limitations to this study.
How Does This Apply to Real Life?
These include brain cholesterol balance, inflammation and oxidative stress.
These include filling up on fiber, minimizing added sugars, eating more fish and limiting alcohol.
Swapping proteins high in saturated fat with ones lower in it is also a wise option.
For example, exchange a red meat meal each week with a meal made with turkey or chicken.
Or go more plant-based and make a meatless meal, like ourChipotle Tofu TacosorMarry Me Chickpeas.
Other health habits have also been linked with healthy cholesterol levels.
It also mentions that statins may help reduce the risk of dementia, as well.
If you have high LDL-C, talk to your primary care provider about your options.
While statins can help reduce cholesterol, they may come with potential side effects.
Whether you use a statin or not, incorporate more healthy habits into your routine.
If eating better seems unapproachable, try a heart- and brain-healthy framework likethe MIND dietto get started.
Seeing a registered dietitian can also be a good step if youre feeling overwhelmed.
And food isnt everythingquality sleep, regular exercise and stress management can all help you out as well.
2024;50(11).
doi:10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.067003
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About Cholesterol.
2024;16(9):e68928.
