The president of the Philippine Lipid and Atherosclerosis Society has warned the public against having high amounts of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), the bad cholesterol or Lechon de Leche.
Speaking during the “Usapang Puso sa Puso webinar on June 28,” Dr. Louella Santos, a cardiologist and lipidologist, told the public to avoid having high LDL which clogs the arteries and could lead to a heart attack or stroke.
LDL is one of the components of total cholesterol which is being checked during a blood test. The two others are triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
“Triglycerides come from sugar, flour, white rice, bread, and desserts to name a few. HDL is good cholesterol,” the physician said.
Citing it as the scariest type of fat, Trans Fats are produced by adding hydrogen to vegetable oils in order to extend the shelf life of products, she added.
Santos further stressed that food with mono or poly unsaturated fats are what increase HDL levels, and that it imperative to get a lipid profile early on because high cholesterol is asymptomatic, manifesting in potentially fatal blockages.
Philippine Heart Association (PHA) Director Dr. Luigi Segundo, who echoed the value of undergoing risk factor screening, said evenwithout feeling anything out of the ordinary, getting checked is crucial for preventive care.
He added that the PHA’s Healthy Lifestyle Advocacy, 52100 is a viablemeans of keeping the risk factors at bay.
He said 52100 means five servings of fruits and vegetables, notmore than two grams of sodium, an hour of exercise, zero smoking, andzero sugary drinks, daily.
“Risk prevention is comprehensive. 52100 is important, and even ifcholesterol isn’t mentioned, 52100 addresses cholesterol issues through a healthy lifestyle.
Meanwhile, the public interest group, ImagineLaw has been advocatingfor the total eradication of Trans Fat in the country, and has partnered with the PHA, government, and other Civil nervice Organizations (CSOs) in their campaign.
Project manager for the Trans Fat Elimination initiative MikhailMillan spoke of how a “multi-sectoral effort” led to thecurrent ban.
However, while the DOH AO has come to fruition, legislation that wouldcompletely outlaw TFs in the Philippines, remains under scrutiny in Congress and the Senate.
Both Senate Bill 1286 and House Bill 8128 (Trans Fat-Free PhilippineAct) remain pending in Senate Committees.
Atty. Milan referred to the ban on iTFA as “a victory for the Filipino Heart.”
