Low Cholesterol Diet

Low cholesterol diet is something many people are choosing not only to lower their cholesterol but also to lose weight. The amount of cholesterol in our diets plays a vital role in the cholesterol level of our bodies. This level includes both good and bad cholesterol levels. HDL (high density lipoproteins), good cholesterol helps move excess cholesterol to the liver from the arteries for disposal, this is good for the heart. LDL (low density lipoproteins) cholesterol causes a build up of plaque that clogs the arteries, thus reducing blood flow, this is what causes heart attacks and strokes. A low cholesterol diet should lower LDL levels as well as raise HDL levels.

Foods that are high in cholesterol and saturated fats, such as red meat, egg yolk, and full cream dairy products, are the main sources of dietary cholesterol. A low cholesterol diet should replace trans fats (those in deep fried foods) and hydrogenated fats (found in bakery items) with polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats such as olive, peanut, or canola oil. This means that french fries, cakes, cookies, pastries, and dairy products should be avoided while on a low cholesterol diet.

The main reason for having high cholesterol is being over weight. Many times losing a few pounds will lower the cholesterol level. However genetics also can cause people to have high cholesterol levels. Hereditary cholesterol can be hard to battle but a good low cholesterol diet plan will usually do the trick. Stress can also be a cause of elevated cholesterol levels. Exercise helps the body burn off unwanted cholesterol and can also reduce stress. Fatigue, depression, or other emotional conditions can be symptoms of high cholesterol.

There are many low cholesterol diet plans that have great tasting meals that are healthy. Junk food and fast food should be avoided while trying to lower cholesterol. There are many low cholesterol cookbooks available, with good recipes to prepare great tasting healthy meals. Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables is very important for lowering cholesterol. While carbohydrates raise cholesterol levels.

Many drugs have been manufactured, throughout the years, to lower cholesterol. Although these drugs will lower cholesterol they can be harmful, because a long with flushing the cholesterol out of the body they also flush out many essential vitamins and minerals. In addition these drugs can cause many side effects such as headaches, dizziness, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and muscle aches.

Foods for a Low Cholesterol Diet

  • Fish – Fish contains a lot of Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) is good for the heart because it reduces blood pressure. Fish oil is a good supplement to take, people realize many benefits from it.
  • Oatmeal, Oat bran – Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber. Soluble fiber reduces the absorption of bad cholesterol into the bloodstream.
  • Nuts – Nuts such as almonds, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts reduce bad cholesterol. They are rich in polyunsaturated fat and reduce the risk of heart disease.

This type of diet isn’t just for people with high cholesterol. It is a very healthy way to lose weight in addition many health conscious people, who want to live a long healthy life follow a low cholesterol diet plan.
Jillian Michaels