What's the most effective diet to lower cholesterol?

Answer 1

A very effective way of lowering your cholesterol is by simply switching over to a vegetarian diet. If you can't seem to do this, you may want to consider becoming a pescotarian, abstaining from all meat except for a occasional meal of fish or seafood (watch out, though, as lobster, shrimp, and other seafood have very high levels of cholesterol).

The vegetarian diet generally reduces the amount of cholesterol in the blood stream, but also has a whole host of other health benefit. A study by M. Segasothy and P.A. Phillips called "Vegetarian diet: panacea for modern lifestyle diseases?" published in Oxford's Quarterly Journal of Medicine, clearly indicates that there is much to be gained from the vegetarian diet.

"Soy-bean-protein diet, legumes, nuts and soluble fibre significantly decrease total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. Diets rich in fibre and complex carbohydrate, and restricted in fat, improve control of blood glucose concentration, lower insulin requirement and aid in weight control in diabetic patients. An inverse association has been reported between nut, fruit, vegetable and fibre consumption, and the risk of coronary Heart disease. Patients eating a vegetarian diet, with comprehensive lifestyle changes, have had reduced frequency, duration and severity of angina as well as regression of coronary atherosclerosis and improved coronary perfusion. An inverse association between fruit and vegetable consumption and stroke has been suggested. Consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially spinach and collard green, was associated with a lower risk of age-related ocular macular degeneration."

And the abstract goes on to list more. A study aptly titled "Cardiovascular disease risk factors in free-living men: comparison of two prudent diets, one based on lactoovovegetarianism and the other allowing lean meat" from The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also provides evidence that supports the vegetarian diet as a cholesterol suppressor. Although both lacto ovo vegetarians (those vegetarians who abstain from meat but eat dairy and eggs) and lean-meat eaters had an overall reduction in cholesterol, "The LOV diet had a significantly greater cholesterol-lowering effect than did the LM diet (10% vs 5% decrease)…"

Answer 2

Make sure to check the back of all the food packages you have for their cholesterol level, trans-fat, and saturated fat. The BEST foods to eat are oatmeal, fish, almonds, and high-fiber foods. When cooking, use Olive Oil instead of butter whenever possible.

Answer 3

The best diet is one that will hold blood sugar steady and contains fresh, high soluble fiber, high good fats, and low refined/artificial food content. Diet is determined by individual blood chemistry, but the best overall is one with small frequent meals or snacks, each containing protein and produce, low content of breads, snack foods with trans fats, and artificial fats such as trans fats, margarines, and canola oil. Avoid genetically modified foods. Organic chicken, lean beef, eggs are a better bet. Fresh produce rather than frozen or canned. Macronutrient content can vary, some do well with 60% carbohydrate and some as low as 30%. You'll know by how you feel (tired or energized) which is right. Protein should be 0.5 to 1 gm protein per lb bodyweight, depending on activity level. The balance fat. Good rule of thumb is to divide your plate into thirds. Protein, veggies, carb in each of thirds. And adjust from there.

I don't advocate a one size fits all diet approach, because there are definitely different body chemistries.

As far as genetics, only a few rare people have familial hypercholestemia, the rest of us can work with diet and lifestyle. Exercise, good sleep, hydration, lower stress, etc. also go a very long way to reducing high cholesterol.

Answer 4

Before you go on a specific diet to get rid of high cholesterol, it's best to ask your doctor if your body is suited for which diet. However, there are some simple ways that can be used, such as the ones on : www.mayoclinic.com/health/cholesterol/CL00002

Answer 5

If you need a diet containing foods that will lower your cholesterol, you should try to use a diet plan that contains whole grain foods. You should try eating oatmeal, and cheerios, and fruits.

Answer 6

Someone with high cholesterol should make sure to get plenty of fiber. Beans, bananas, and apples are all great sources of fiber. For other recommended foods and foods to avoid, I recommend this article from Livestrong: http://www.livestrong.com/article/27632-good-diet-someone-high-cholesterol/

Answer 7

Lowering cholesterol is easy when you have three super foods on hand. These foods are apples, beans, and brown rice. If you center your diet around these foods, you'll see that your cholesterol will lower dramatically.

Answer 8

In order to lower your cholesterol levels it is important to remember that you are going to need to start eating healthy as soon as possible. This means cutting out any fats, processed foods, and starchy foods.

Answer 9

Low cholesterol diets include a lot of dietary fiber and call for an elimination of highly processed foods such as Hot Dogs and highly processed meats.

Answer 10

Well first, you should at least consider taking those pills that help your cholesterol. Then, consider eating healthier, like fish, high fiber foods like oatmeal, or even nuts.