Control cholesterol: Should you eat chicken and beef?

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Today, both beef and chicken have become so popular across the globe with thousands of recipes. Particularly for those on a diet, the problem that eating chicken or eating beef will better control cholesterol is a problem that is not easy to answer.

1. Is it better to eat chicken or beef?

In recent years, interest in the nutritional composition of foods has shifted dramatically. From studies on how much cholesterol foods contain, the focus has been on how much saturated fat that food has. The more unhealthy saturated fats you eat, the more LDL cholesterol your body makes, and this is considered more important for cholesterol control than the actual cholesterol content of the food. .
Although most people assume that chicken has less saturated fat than beef, that does not mean that eating chicken is healthier. Chicken and beef store fat differently and in different parts of their bodies. For example, chicken stores fat mainly under the skin, or chicken thighs have more fat and cholesterol than breast meat. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that meat eaters choose lean proteins such as skinless poultry, tofu, fish or beans. In particular, fish like salmon and herring tend to contain more omega-3 fatty acids. Grass-fed beef is also higher in omega-3 fatty acids than factory-raised beef.

2. How to eat beef and chicken to control cholesterol

Be aware that even when choosing lean meats, cholesterol control can be difficult as saturated fat increases during cooking. Some tips suggest you how to better control cholesterol when eating beef or chicken:
Beef should choose lean parts such as corn or loin. When you eat chicken, only eat the white part. Avoid processed meats like sausages, bacon...

Before starting to cook, the excess fat in the beef should also be cut off. Continue to filter out the fat if you have an idea for a stew or soup. Limit fried foods, and choose high-moisture steaming, baking, or pan-frying with low-calorie wine, juices, or sauces instead. The type of oil you use also affects how well your cholesterol is controlled. Butter, lard and other fatty foods should be discarded as they are high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Meanwhile, vegetable oils, including canola, safflower, sunflower, soybean, or olive oils, were significantly more heart-healthy. In addition, the amount of fiber and vitamins from vegetables should also be ensured daily because fiber can help reduce cholesterol absorption after meals. Do not replace your daily fat intake with carbohydrates as this will not reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Please regularly check the Vinmec website (www.vinmec.com) for useful health care updates and to Please return information when you need medical advice and support!

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Reference source: healthline.com