Your food plays an important role in increasing or decreasing the level of good and bad cholesterol in the body. Especially in winter, some food items are eaten in large quantities which can increase your cholesterol level. Cholesterol is a wax-like substance found in the body’s cells that is essential for the body’s functioning. But excessive levels of it in the body can be harmful by causing high cholesterol also known as hypercholesterolemia. This may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Your food plays an important role in increasing or decreasing the level of good and bad cholesterol in the body. Especially in winter, some food items are eaten in large quantities which can increase your cholesterol level. They should be eaten carefully. So, let’s know about those things.
Can Cholesterol Increase in Winter:
Winter season is very challenging from a health point of view. Many factors, including diet, lifestyle, and genetics can cause increased cholesterol. Cold does not directly cause cholesterol to increase. However, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine can be more challenging during the colder months, leading to increased cholesterol levels.
Read This: Why Are The Youth of India Becoming Victims of High Cholesterol?
Which Foods Can Increase Bad Cholesterol in Winter:
When the temperature drops, the body is inclined to eat more fried snacks and carbohydrate-rich foods to stay warm. Although most of these foods are available throughout the year, people eat them more during the winter. Here we are telling you about some food items that can cause high cholesterol.
Ghee:
Ghee is used extensively in Indian cuisine during winter and adds flavor, texture, and aroma to food, experts say. It is a good source of healthy fats, but excessive consumption of it is not good for cholesterol disease, especially without regular exercise and if eaten in excess it can increase the levels of bad cholesterol in the body.
Butter:
Butter is commonly used in many dishes, excessive consumption of which can increase the level of bad cholesterol in the body. Butter available in the market has a high amount of saturated fat.
Cheese:
Paneer is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine, especially in winter dishes like palak paneer and paneer tikka. It is also high in saturated fat which can increase cholesterol levels.
Red Meat:
Red meat is often preferred during winter due to its warming nature. However, says Dr. Manocha, it’s high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can cause heart problems.
Fried Snacks:
In winter, fried snacks like samosa, pakoda, kachori, fries, and vada are eaten a lot but they contain a lot of trans fat which can increase the level of bad cholesterol in the body.
