Low Cholesterol Foods As Part Of A Heart Healthy Diet
If you have high cholesterol, your doctor will recommend that you eat low cholesterol foods as part of your diet. Eating low cholesterol foods can lower your cholesterol with or without medication. Your doctor or dietitian can advise you on what foods are good to eat, and what foods you should avoid.Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fish
Eating low cholesterol foods high in omega-3 fatty acids can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Taking a fish oil supplement with omega-3 fatty acids can help and so can eating certain types of fish. Eat at least two servings of the following fish a week: sardines, tuna, salmon, herring, trout and halibut. Do not add extra fat when preparing fish, but instead try to prepare them using the grill or broiler to allow for a delicious flavor without added calories.
High Fiber Low Cholesterol Foods
Soluble fiber found in oatmeal, pears, prunes, barley and apples make them excellent foods to add to your diet of low cholesterol foods. The soluble fiber soaks up the cholesterol you eat in other foods and prevents it from entering the bloodstream. Eat 5-10 grams of soluble fiber daily to decrease LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. One of the best sources of soluble fiber and way to keep on a diet with low cholesterol foods is oatmeal; just 1.5 cups of oatmeal a day provides 6 grams of soluble fiber. Add fresh fruit several times per day for even more fiber.
Nuts Are Low Cholesterol Foods
Nuts like almonds and walnuts are high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Eating just 1.5 ounces, or a handful, of low cholesterol foods high in good fats can reduce the risk of heart disease. Do not eat nuts coated with sugar or extra salt, try to eat the dry roasted version of your favorite nuts.
Nuts are high in calories, so eat them sparingly. Use low cholesterol foods like nuts to replace high cholesterol foods like cheese or croutons in your salads.
Eating low cholesterol foods can help you lower your total cholesterol levels. Changing your diet can help your cholesterol medication work better and, if your doctor recommends it, you may be able to stop taking medication. Do not stop taking cholesterol medication without talking to your doctor.
When you are starting out, it's really great to have a plan and a great understanding of what a healthy heart or TLC diet really is that you should follow. Try out one of our meal plans that provides a great start with 7 days of dinner meals per week.
