High cholesterol levels in the body, or hypercholesterolemia, can be very dangerous. Hence, it is important for us to keep cholesterol levels within normal limits. One way to do this is by having your cholesterol checked.
But when should we check our cholesterol? How often and who should have their cholesterol checked? Read on to find out!

Why is high cholesterol dangerous?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance produced by the liver and it’s needed in a certain amount to help form hormones, cell membranes, and some types of vitamins.
Hypercholesterolemia can happen due to eating food with cholesterol and saturated fats, like meat and dairy products.
These foods increase the amount of total cholesterol in the body. One the cholesterol levels are too high, plaques begin to form along the blood vessels, which in the long run will build up and block the blood flow. As a result, blood intake to the brain and heart is reduced, resulting in heart disease and stroke.

When should I check my cholesterol?

To reduce the risk of these dangerous diseases, cholesterol levels should always be controlled. Unfortunately, high cholesterol generally does not show any immediate symptoms. The pain, dizziness, and cramps that we know as symptoms of cholesterol only appear when plaque in the blood vessels has already started to build up.
So, the best way to control our cholesterol levels is to have it checked regularly and periodically. That way high cholesterol can be detected as early as possible, and we do better prevention to keep it from getting worse.
In general, a person should get their cholesterol checked once every 5 years once they turn 20. If the cholesterol level exceeds 200 mg/dL, do a cholesterol check every 3 months until the level is back to normal. Once it is back to normal, cholesterol checks can be done again at least once a year. Read More : 6 Causes of Constipation in Kids that Mothers Should Be Aware of!

Who should have their cholesterol checked?

Cholesterol checks should not only be done by adults or the elderly. According to the U.S. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention, even children and teenagers should have their cholesterol checked.

Children aged 9-11 years should have their cholesterol checked at least once. The same goes for teenagers aged 17-21. They may need to do a more regular cholesterol check if they’re:

• Obese and diabetic
• Are at risk of heart disease or diabetes
• Have a family history of high cholesterol

Prevent cholesterol the easy way!

As previously mentioned, hypercholesterolemia is a result of our lifestyle. Apart from food, especially saturated fat, high cholesterol can also come from smoking and alcohol consumption.
To avoid or lower cholesterol, it’s necessary for us to improve our lifestyle. Stop smoking and alcohol, and reduce your consumption of red meat, internal organs, fried foods, and high-fat foods.
Who says you should say goodbye to delicious food while maintaining your cholesterol levels? In case you don’t know, there are many healthy foods with delicious taste out there. Such as tuna or mackerel are rich in omega-3, which is good for raising good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol.
Steamed or grill it without oil, and pair it with other healthier ingredients, such as FiberCreme.
This versatile, high-fiber ingredient can replace coconut milk and milk in a variety of dishes. From traditional dishes like nasi uduk and gulai, to dishes like pasta and creamy sauces.
What else can you make with FiberCreme? Find out as you visit and follow @FiberCreme and @FiberCreme_TV on Instagram. Also, learn more about FiberCreme by clicking here!