Cholesterol: Vincent Valinduc separates the true from the false

Cholesterol is a fat that comes a little from your plate, but especially from your liver.

It is not bad for your health, but its excess can be a risk factor for your health.

Vincent Valinduk separates fact from fiction in Hello! La Matinale TF1.

We talk a lot about cholesterol, but we don’t know what it really is. Is it fat? Is there really good and bad cholesterol? Vincent Valinduc returns to preconceived notions in Bonjour! La Matinale TF1.

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What is cholesterol?

In fact, it is fat. It comes a little from our plate, but mainly from our liver. Cholesterol is essential to our body, as it is part of the structure of our cells and allows us to digest. However, this cholesterol level should not be high, as it can be dangerous for your health. However, according to the French Cardiology Federation, 20% of the French population has excess cholesterol.

What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol?

Vincent Valinduc explains to us that in reality, there is no good or bad: “There is only one cholesterol molecule“. This molecule needs a transporter to circulate in the blood. There are two types. HDL takes it to the liver to be destroyed. It’s called good cholesterol. LDL is another transporter. It takes it further to the organs and arteries. .is bad cholesterol.

Excess cholesterol, a risk factor

Very high cholesterol levels do not cause symptoms. On the other hand, it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Indeed, cholesterol can block arteries in the heart and cause heart attacks, but can also block arteries in the brain and cause strokes.

How to lower cholesterol levels?

A balanced and varied diet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by a third, but also of type 2 diabetes. We prefer olive oil for cooking, more beneficial for health than butter. The doctor advises to prefer white meat to red meat, to consume fiber, fruits, vegetables and fish two to three times a week. Finally, practicing regular physical activity is always more than recommended.