Low Cholesterol Diet

Answer 1

High cholesterol can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol, a waxy substance, can clog blood vessels and cause the heart to work harder. Cholesterol causes narrowing of the arteries that makes it difficult for blood to flow. Cholesterol is necessary for healthy body function. Made in the liver, cholesterol is used by the body to make hormones.The body only needs a small amount of cholesterol, so it is not necessary to consume foods high in cholesterol.

Cholesterol is found in animal products. Organ meats and eggs have high levels of cholesterol so it is wise to limit intake of these products, especially if one has problems with elevated cholesterol. Foods that contain trans-fat can raise LDL of Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol also known as unhealthy or bad cholesterol. Foods with partially hydrogenated oils or hydrogenated oils are known as trans-fat foods. Read the ingredient lists on packaged foods to determine if they contain trans-fats.

The good news is that cholesterol can be controlled in most people through healthy eating.

Eating healthy, high fiber foods is a way to lower cholesterol to a healthy level. Foods that lower cholesterol include whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta. This is because of the high fiber content of these foods. Fruits and vegetables are also high in fiber. Consuming the recommended 2½ cups of vegetables and 2 cups of fruit each day will go a long way in reducing unhealthy cholesterol levels. Eating whole fruits rather than consuming fruit juice will provide more fiber when the skins of fruit such as apples are eaten.

Filling half of one’s plate with healthy vegetables and limiting meat and poultry to five to six ounces per day is another way to increase fiber and lower cholesterol in the diet. Choose low-fat or lean cuts of meat or poultry and include more fish and vegetable proteins in the diet.

Some people suffer from elevated cholesterol due to heredity. For persons in this group, medications known as statins are usually prescribed to lower cholesterol. However, when elevated cholesterol is a hereditary issue, healthy eating can go a long way in helping lower cholesterol and may result in an individual being able to take lower doses of statins.

Answer 2

If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol, you need to limit your intake of foods high in cholesterol as much as possible. High cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for Heart disease, so avoiding these foods is a good idea. Fast food, butter, egg yolks, shrimp, many cheeses and processed meat are some of the foods highest in bad cholesterol. To lower your cholesterol, eat more oatmeal, oat bran, fish, nuts, olive oil and foods fortified with plant sterols.