How to keep your cholesterol low in Thailand

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Keeping your cholesterol under control while navigating the world of Thai cuisine can seem difficult. Though Thailand is renowned for its intriguing fusion of flavours, fragrant spices, and a wide variety of nutritious, fresh ingredients, there are many ways to enjoy Thai food in a heart-healthy, balanced way. The goal of the article is to guide you in choosing meals that are both interesting and low in cholesterol. As well as introducing other ways you can keep your cholesterol low.

Healthy food

How to savour delicious Thai appetisers, delve into how hearty their soups are, while looking at the colourful main dish selections, and examine important components. It also highlights how important it is to lead a healthy lifestyle by getting exercise and making thoughtful decisions off the plate.

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It is certainly a pleasurable culinary experience to consume Thai cuisine. But it’s crucial to make thoughtful meal choices when you’re health-conscious, especially because you don’t want to raise your cholesterol levels. Here are some tips for enjoying the delicious flavours of Thai cuisine without endangering your heart health.

Exceptional appetisers are available in Thai cuisine, many of which can be fried and served with sweet sauces. You do have a few healthy options to choose from, though. Lean meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables are some of these substitutes. These wholesome appetisers provide a balanced intake without interfering with your nutritional objectives, acting as a smaller prelude to your main dish.

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Exercise

Getting physical is another good way to control cholesterol. Moderate exercise has been shown to raise HDL (high-density lipoprotein) often known as good cholesterol levels. With your doctor’s agreement, set a goal for five 30-minute workouts each week for your activity plan.

Regular exercises that support an active lifestyle could be taking brisk walks, riding a bike to work, or participating in sports. It’s usually simpler to stay motivated when working with a partner.

Having a few more pounds on you may be a factor in elevated cholesterol. It may be advantageous to make little dietary adjustments such as deciding on low-fat sweet delights, air-popped popcorn or pretzels as a snack, and replacing sugary drinks with water.

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How to keep your cholesterol low in Thailand | News by Thaiger
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Variety of food

Thai soups, with their expert use of different herbs and spices, provide a kaleidoscope of flavours. Thai soup frequently contains ingredients including ginger, cucumber, lime leaves, and lemongrass. Turmeric and cumin, two healthful herbs, go well with them. But pay attention to what you decide. Thai soups frequently use coconut milk, which is heavy in saturated fat. If you’re eating out, ask for low-fat options or choose something without coconut milk.

When selecting a main meal from a Thai menu, pay attention to the options that include veggies, lean proteins, and noodles. Take note of the ingredients that go with the cuisine you choose to prevent any potential health issues.

Since many Thai recipes call for high-sodium fish sauce, moderation is essential. To avoid high levels of saturated fats, choose foods that are based on poultry or fish rather than beef or pork. Additionally, consider using low-fat coconut milk as a substitute wherever it is used.

Whole fish or poultry are frequently served during Thai meals. Be advised that eating these with skin or fat on them may not be good for your cholesterol. That’s why it’s so important to order according to your preferences. If it’s served, make sure to set the fats and skin away.

How to keep your cholesterol low in Thailand | News by Thaiger
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Quit smoking and drinking

The percentage of smokers contributes to the higher levels of HDL cholesterol. Within just 20 minutes of stopping, there are immediate advantages like lower blood pressure and heart rate. After quitting, improvements in lung function and blood circulation are observed in a few months. In addition, within a year, the risk of heart disease is reduced.

While moderate alcohol use is permissible, overindulging can result in health problems such as high blood pressure, heart failure, or strokes. As a result, it’s best to keep your daily alcohol consumption to a modest one drink for people over 65. And up to two for people under 65.

How to keep your cholesterol low in Thailand | News by Thaiger
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Thai food can be enjoyed within the confines of a heart-healthy diet with careful selection and minor adjustments. Achieving balance involves not just choosing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, but also being aware of the quantity and nutrients that are consumed. Beyond dietary decisions, keeping good cholesterol levels also requires engaging in regular physical activity, giving up smoking, and consuming alcohol in moderation. As we’ve shown, it’s possible to enjoy the vibrant flavours of Thai cuisine without sacrificing your general health.

If you are looking to cook your food to stay healthy and keep a low cholesterol make sure to check out where to shop for affordable healthy food in Bangkok.

HealthLifestyle

Jimmy Donovan

Jimmy, currently with The Thaiger, translates his global journalism experience to bring insights about Thailand to life. Originally from St Albans, England, he now calls Bangkok home, where he focuses on delivering nuanced socio-political stories. His robust skill set and commitment to truth have established him as a trusted voice in journalism.

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