Learn Cholesterol Education Through the Mediterranean Diet
Food and Culture
Written by: Jingbo Qiao, UH Intern Spring 2025
Cholesterol in our body
When we hear the word cholesterol, we may think of health problems. But in fact, cholesterol is necessary for our body and can be divided into “good” and “bad”.
“Bad guy” low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C):
Too much LDL can build up in your blood vessels. Over time, this can cause blockages, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
“Good helper” High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C):
Collects excess cholesterol on the blood vessel walls and keeps the blood vessels clear.
Now that we have a better understanding of cholesterol, let’s explore how the Mediterranean diet can be a helpful tool in managing cholesterol levels.
Step into the Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet originates from countries along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is based on abundant natural ingredients, including:
- A variety of vegetables and fruits.
- Whole grain foods.
- Healthy fats like olive oil and avocado.
- Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel.
The Mediterranean diet is an example of a balanced eating pattern that contributes to good health.
