Most people blame Trans & Saturated fats for high cholesterol. However, they are unaware of another significant risk – the drinks responsible for elevated cholesterol levels!
While it’s true that foods high in trans & saturated fat increase cholesterol levels, they aren’t the only culprits.
Surprisingly, a school of thought claims that foods high in cholesterol do not directly increase cholesterol levels. According to this claim, cholesterol levels are influenced by a host of lifestyle factors and genetics. (Source)
The following factors are responsible for increased cholesterol levels:
- Age
- Genetics
- Diet
- Exercise habits
- Alcohol
- Stress
- Sleep hygiene
- Weight management
- Smoking
- Medications
Just like your diet habits, drinking habits also influence your cholesterol levels.
Read on here for the changes you need to make to your drinking habits to start improving your cholesterol levels.
What Drinks Affect Cholesterol – Drinking Habits You Need To Change To Improve Your Cholesterol Levels
# 1
Give Up The Soda Habit
Added sugars can increase LDL cholesterol, also called the “bad” cholesterol. That occurs via the liver: excess sugar signals the liver to make more bad stuff and less good cholesterol.
If you are in the habit of drinking soda, kick the habit slowly and find alternatives that you enjoy.
# 2
Limit Alcohol & Cocktails
More & more people are practicing sober-curious living—and for good reasons! In addition to the mental health benefits, limiting alcohol intake is good for your heart. In fact, the health benefits of even moderate alcohol intake — defined as two standard drinks per day for men and one drink a day for women — is now up for debate.
For good cholesterol levels, it’s recommended to drink more mindfully. When you feel fancy, consider having a mocktail at home instead of going for alcohol to enjoy the health benefits of less alcohol!
# 3
Sweet Tea But Sour Benefits.
Sweet tea is high in calories, and added sugars, which we already have stated above, tend to raise “bad” cholesterol.
In general, people often consume sweet tea because of their habits. They tend to drink it habitually with each meal or as a pick-me-up. Unfortunately, such habits add up, and the empty calories from sugar-sweetened beverages don’t help either.
Sugar-sweetened beverages can also make you gain weight and lead to obesity over time. And weight gain and obesity are associated with increased cholesterol levels.
# 4
Check Your Creamer
Coffee creamers are delicious, but this “extra” adds more sugar and fat to your cup of choice. Moreover, creamers are also mostly dairy-based and have a considerable amount of saturated fat – a type of fat known to increase cholesterol for some people more than others.
Opt for a creamer with less added sugar and fat, and consider going for a portioned serving!
Read this for “Natural Cholesterol Cure”
# 5
Choose Dairy Mindfully
When drinking milk, coffee creamer, or a new dairy option, be conscious of the added calories from saturated fat. Go for options that are low fat, 1%, or 2% fat most of the time.
Bonus Tip: Focus on combining foods having saturated fat with high-fiber foods because fiber tends to bind excess cholesterol produced by your body and help get it rid of. A high-fiber diet is known to help lower “bad” cholesterol levels!
[Related: How Fiber Helps Lower Cholesterol]
About Author: Renu Bakshi, AKA Fitness Buffhq, is ISSA Certified Elite Trainer. He passed 
Personal Fitness Trainer Course, Nutrition Health Coach course & Specialist Exercise Therapy course from ISSA, the USA, obtaining + 97% marks. He shares his experience and knowledge about nutrition and effective workouts to get you in the best shape of your life, no matter how old you may be. The author says: “For me, age is just a number!”
