Cholesterol is divided into 2 types, namely good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Why is LDL called bad cholesterol? This is because when levels increase in the body, LDL is at high risk of accumulating and forming plaque in the arteries. As a result, blood vessels narrow and blood flow is disrupted.

The normal value for total cholesterol levels in children is less than 200 mg/dL. Meanwhile, the normal level of good cholesterol in children is more than 40 mg/dL and the normal level of bad cholesterol is less than 130 mg/dL.

There are various causes that can make LDL cholesterol levels increase in a child's body, including heredity, habits of eating foods containing saturated fat, not exercising, and obesity.

In addition, it is undeniable that modern lifestyles like now play a major role in increasing the risk of high cholesterol in children. For example, it becomes easier for them to eat food on the side of the road without their parents knowing.

Although parents of course always want to provide healthy menus for their children, busy work can also force parents to give their children instant or fast food more often. In addition, high cholesterol in children can also be caused by the unhealthy eating patterns of the parents they follow.

High cholesterol in your little one should not be taken lightly, Bun, because the impact on children is no joke. If your child has high cholesterol, he or she is at much greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease early, such as coronary heart disease and stroke.

So that your little one doesn't have high cholesterol, you need to take preventive measures through some of the tips below:

Implementing a healthy diet in children can protect him from unwanted weight gain. This certainly has an important role in preventing high cholesterol in children.

The method is quite easy, give your little one staple foods and healthy snacks, prevent him from skipping his meal schedule, give him food portions according to his age, and make sure nothing distracts him when he eats, such as gadgets.

Animal offal, fast food, and fried foods are some types of high cholesterol foods and contain lots of saturated fat. To prevent children from experiencing high cholesterol, he should not eat too much of this kind of food.

In addition, Mother must get used to the Little One eating healthy foods that contain lots of complex carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals.

Spending time lying down or sitting all day will increase the risk of obesity in children. This can threaten his health, especially if he also often eats unhealthy foods and has high cholesterol.

So that your little one does not have high cholesterol, help him to stay active every day. This method is also able to burn calories, lower blood pressure, strengthen bones and muscles, to improve mood.

In addition, in the midst of a pandemic like today, exercise is also important for children's immunity. You don't have to leave the house or in the open field, really. Going up and down stairs, helping Mom finish homework, or just gardening are also light exercises that can be done by the baby.

High cholesterol in children can indeed be prevented with the tips above. These tips are actually not only for the Little One, but also apply to Mom, Dad, and other family members. If people at home apply it, your little one will also follow the example.

If you feel that your little one is overweight and has a bad diet that is very difficult to change, it is better for you to see a doctor for a thorough health check, including cholesterol levels, as well as asking for treatment advice.