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Beware Potato Chips: Doctor Warns of Cholesterol Buildup in Arteries

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • A doctor warns that long-term consumption of snacks with palm oil can lead to the buildup of bad cholesterol (LDL) in arteries.
  • Palm oil is a key ingredient that keeps snacks like biscuits and potato chips fresh and crispy but burdens blood vessels.
  • Consumers are advised to check ingredient lists for palm oil and opt for healthier alternatives like baked seaweed or edamame.

Snacks like potato chips and biscuits owe their lasting crispness to palm oil, but this common ingredient may be silently harming your health. A gastroenterologist recently took to Threads to warn that prolonged consumption of snacks containing palm oil can significantly increase the burden on blood vessels.

Long-term consumption of snacks containing palm oil can increase the burden on blood vessels.

— Gastroenterologist Dr. ZhangWarning about the health effects of palm oil in snacks.

The doctor explained that palm oil is the secret behind the extended shelf life and satisfying crunch of many popular savory snacks. However, its presence in the diet is linked to the accumulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often referred to as "bad cholesterol." This warning resonated with many online, with users expressing frustration over persistently high LDL levels detected during health check-ups.

No wonder my LDL levels aren't going down in my check-ups.

— NetizenReacting to the doctor's warning about LDL cholesterol.

To make informed choices, the doctor advises a quick, three-second check of ingredient labels before purchasing. If "palm oil," "vegetable oil," or "shortening" appear prominently among the first few ingredients, it signals a high oil content that could contribute to cholesterol buildup. Vague terms like "vegetable oil" or "shortening" often indicate a high proportion of palm oil when specific oils like soybean, sunflower, olive, or canola are not clearly listed.

Palm oil is the secret to snacks lasting and staying crispy.

— Gastroenterologist Dr. ZhangExplaining the role of palm oil in snack production.

While the advice is not to eliminate these snacks entirely, the doctor suggests moderation and healthier substitutions. For those craving a salty crunch, baked seaweed or edamame are recommended alternatives. For sweet cravings, unsalted nuts paired with dark chocolate offer a better option. By reducing the frequency of consuming such snacks and switching to foods with healthier fats, individuals can satisfy their cravings while supporting their cardiovascular health.

If palm oil, vegetable oil, or shortening appear in the first few ingredients, it means high oil content and easy accumulation of bad cholesterol.

— Gastroenterologist Dr. ZhangAdvising on how to identify snacks high in palm oil.
About this summary

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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