I've been recommended for a high cholesterol test, and really just want to know why. I don't really care, but it just seems odd- y'know, as a vegan I consume no animal products, and I don't think that I've really ever knowingly consumed a tropical oil, or at least I haven't often. But they recommended me for the test because of heredity, and I was wondering why they thought that high cholesterol would still be an issue. Can anyone explain?
2007-02-08 07:29:09 · 9 answers · asked by treehuggingveganhippy 3 in Food & Drink ➔ Vegetarian & Vegan
Besides the genetic reason it's just good practice to get a baseline on how your lipid levels are going! Hopefully you've got a doctor that is up on the latest 'news' (actually over 10 years old) that besides total levels it's just as important to maintain a good ratio of HDL/LDL levels! You could dig through my old answers for more info but here's my history (as an example) of why you need the info.
I come from a family that typically dies in mid-30's from Sudden Cardiac Death (I'm way past that age now). I've been veggie since pre-teens and my only animal intake is from occasional use of analogs with slight egg or dairy (and the rare cheese pizza). My total cholesterol level was under 100 total with an almost 1-1 ratio of HDL/LDL when I finally started having serious heart problems about 8 years ago. That's a typical ratio for my family but my total level was much lower than usual. After turning down all surgical options I got 'hooked up' with a cardiac nutritionist that changed my diet from a low fat diet to a (for me) much higher fat diet to get my HDL/LDL ratio to 5-1 and my heart problems are now not an issue.
I now cook with extra virgin Coconut oil as it *lowers* LDL (but won't change HDL)! My LDL level dropped from 49 to 30 once I started using it. I use Olive oil, Flax oil and eat Avocado's daily to raise my HDL levels from their previous 50 to 152 bringing my total level to 182. Almost double my previous level but *much* healthier!!!!
Does that help to explain why they want to know what your levels are? If you've still got questions either edit this one or email me!
2007-02-08 23:01:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Honey, you answered your own question. They want a test because you evidently have high cholesterol in your family. Just because you watch your diet doesn't mean your body doesn't create it's own excess cholesterol and can't get rid of it. You may also have high triglycerides, which I've heard can be a sign of diabetes. As a vegan, does that mean you also don't consume eggs either? I'd have the test, if for no other reason, than to have a baseline to go by if needed in the future. Good luck!
2007-02-08 07:39:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some people have high cholesterol that doesn't depend on diet. Even if you've NEVER eaten animal products, if your doctor says that your family history shows that you're at risk for high blood pressure, take the test.
2007-02-08 10:37:33 · answer #3 · answered by The Logophile 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
According to Uffe Ravnskov M.D.
Cholesterol isnt generated by how much you eat.
You can be a complete vegan and still have high
cholesterol.
I personally eat a VERY high saturated fat/cholesterol
diet and how LOW serum cholesterol.
Being an omnivore is healthy, and doesnt clog your
arteries. Trans fat, and hydrolized oils is what cloggs
your arteries.
Artery clogs actually have more polyunsaturates in
them than saturates.
Read : The Cholesterol Myths by : Uffe Ravnskov M.D.
2007-02-08 12:04:00 · answer #4 · answered by lovely.ishtar 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, you should. Dietary cholesterol isn't the only reason a person might have high cholesterol, it isn't even a big reason. There are a lot of different reasons, such as...frequent consumption of cholesterol from animals\animal products, frequent consumption of starchy carbs (potatoes, rice, pasta, peas, etc.), sugar in general, inactivity, frequent consumption of saturated fats or trans fats, and probably a few more reasons i can't think of...
2007-02-08 07:51:52 · answer #5 · answered by Cliff C 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend whose children just naturally generated tons of cholesterol no matter what they ate. It was a serious health problem for them, but they could do things to help control the situation. Perhaps your family is prone to this? Good luck.
2007-02-08 07:37:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Cholesterol is not simply a diet issue, get the test.
2007-02-08 07:36:31 · answer #7 · answered by fkd1015 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
How long have you been Vegan? Less than five years? I would get it. If your not worryed, then don't get it. Personally I hate needles and wouldn't want to get poked for no reason, but it would be intresting to know what your levels anyways. You can always thow it back in your Doc's face when it comes back low. Or work on fixing the problem if it comes back high. In the end it's up to you.
2007-02-08 07:42:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
You may of inherited it from your parents.
2007-02-08 11:12:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can be hereditary.
2007-02-08 07:51:36 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋