Deputy Health Minister Urges Public to Regulate Eid Feasts, Especially for Cholesterol Sufferers

Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono Harbuwono has urged the public to continue regulating their food intake during Eid to stay healthy. Eid foods that are high in coconut milk, fats, and excessive meat are feared to be harmful to the body, especially for cholesterol sufferers.

“You can eat, but remember not to overdo it. Don’t be excessive; the things highest in cholesterol are usually the side dishes and the coconut milk. Coconut milk also contains high cholesterol,” said Dante in an online Kemencast on Sunday (22/3).

He advised the public to continue consuming vegetables, as they will inhibit cholesterol absorption in the intestines, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol absorbed and ultimately limiting the amount entering the body.

Dante, a sub-specialist endocrinologist, explained that cholesterol levels will rise depending on the amount of food consumed.

“However, there are also people with erratic eating patterns but normal cholesterol, and others with disciplined diets but still high cholesterol, as it depends on the individual’s profile,” he stated.

Dante reminded those with a history of cholesterol to maintain their intake during this Eid moment to prevent levels from rising.

For medication, he recommended taking it regularly. Many people still misunderstand that cholesterol medication should only be taken when eating high-cholesterol foods.

“So, cholesterol medication must be taken regularly and routinely to provide good metabolic effects and prevent cholesterol spikes when consuming Eid foods,” he concluded.