Lower Cholesterol with Easy Diet Changes

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Are you struggling with high levels of cholesterol? Your daily diet greatly impacts your cholesterol levels. While some cases require medical intervention, it is possible to lower those numbers without the use of prescription drugs. Follow these simple steps to lowering your cholesterol levels naturally and quickly, starting now.

Make necessary changes to your diet, including reducing saturated fats, adding healthy amounts of fiber, and ensuring that you get enough polyunsaturated fatty acids daily.

Your fat intake should not exceed more than 35% of the calories you consume daily. Foods that are high in cholesterol include meats, eggs, milk, butter, cheeses, and shellfish. While these foods are certainly a healthy part of your diet, be sure to balance that portion out with healthy vegetables, fruits, nuts, and grains.

It is important to eat at least 25 grams of fiber every day. Fortunately, getting this much fiber does not have to be difficult. Whole grains (like those found in cereals and breads), oatmeal, and fruits and vegetables are all good sources of beneficial fiber. Fiber is also found in beans, barley, and legumes. Adding complex carbohydrates to your diet also helps with lowering cholesterol, and many of the foods that contain these carbs also contain excellent amounts of fiber. These include whole wheat bread and brown rice rather than white bread and white rice.

Polyunsaturated fats are helpful in keeping blood vessels and arteries healthy and free of plaque, a nasty side effect of high cholesterol. Some natural sources of these fatty acids are walnuts and almonds, both of which also boast additional health benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids also help reduce cholesterol and diminish the risk of harmful clots. Doctors suggest including at least two servings of fish per week to ensure adequate Omega-3 consumption. Salmon and mackerel both contain high levels of this acid and are easily prepared on the grill or in the oven. If fish isn't an option for you, consider a natural supplement made with flaxseed oil, which also contains these valuable acid.

Incorporate heart-healthy olive oil into your daily diet. This natural oil contains beneficial antioxidants that can help to lower cholesterol on a daily basis. Simply choose extra virgin olive oil the next time you cook or saute rather than butter or vegetable oil. It's an easy switch and makes a huge difference in your health.

Make easy changes to your diet and effectively lower high levels of harmful cholesterol