Foods to lower cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver. Cholesterol is necessary for the body to function since the cells use cholesterol to make hormones. The liver makes enough cholesterol for the body to make hormones, so there is no need to consume an overabundance of cholesterol.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends keeping cholesterol consumption under 300 mg. per day.
Some foods that raise cholesterol include eggs yolks, red meats, and organ meats, which contain some of the highest amounts of cholesterol. Other foods that use animal products as ingredients can be high in cholesterol. Butter and cheese are examples of ingredients that contain cholesterol.
These foods also contain high amounts of unhealthy saturated fat. Too much cholesterol and saturated fat can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Trans fats have been in the news in recent years. Some jurisdictions have banned trans fat for use in the food service industry. Trans fats are good fats (liquid oils) that have been changed chemically to act like saturated fat. Trans fats have gone through a process called hydrogenation. This process makes products that are made with trans fat more shelf-stable.
The problem with trans fats is that they raise bad (LDL) cholesterol. Persons who struggle with keeping cholesterol within normal limits need to understand that cookies, crackers, cakes and similar foods can be high in trans fats, and are foods to avoid with high cholesterol.
Foods to help lower cholesterol
The good news is that there are foods to help lower cholesterol. Eating more fruits and vegetables along with whole grains is a natural way to lower cholesterol. These foods are high in fiber which is beneficial in lowering cholesterol. This delicious way to reduce cholesterol could mean less reliance on medication.
Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are also foods to lower blood pressure, so that is another reason to consume these foods everyday. The DASH diet, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension was developed as a result of evidence that shows that consuming high fiber foods like fruits and vegetables can lower the blood pressure.
This is great news for those who must deal with elevated cholesterol and hypertension. Other foods to lower cholesterol level or foods to lower high cholesterol include dry beans and nuts like almonds and walnuts.
Foods to lower triglycerides
Consuming too many foods like cakes, cookies and snacks can result in high triglycerides. Usually people who have high cholesterol also suffer from high triglycerides or a high amount of fat in the blood.
The foods that help lower cholesterol are also great options to lower triglycerides. By avoiding snack foods and high fat sweets, and choosing good foods to lower cholesterol, like vegetables and whole grains, individuals can also reduce their triglyceride levels.
Healthy foods to lower cholesterol
The bottom line is the type of food consumed plays a major role in overall health. Diseases like hypertension, elevated cholesterol, and high triglycerides can be addressed through health dietary choices. All three conditions are related to unhealthy eating, specifically the consumption of foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat.
Healthy foods lower cholesterol. By increasing consumption of healthy foods individuals can avoid or delay the onset of diseases associated with unhealthy eating.
