Cholesterol Diet Menu Fat provides energy, in addition to the other major nutrients.
Excessive fat in the diet is dangerous and life threatening. Cholesterol diet menu comprise of foods that decrease the cholesterol levels or refrain from increasing the same. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of atherosclerosis, stroke and heart attack.
Cholesterol diet menu should include foods that lower cholesterol such as oat bran, whole grains, and pulses and so on. Increase the intake of complex carbohydrates. Decrease the intake of fats, especially Trans fats and saturated fats.
Dietary sodium and cholesterol are abstained from. The calories are also reduced, in case of obesity. Maintenance of the ideal body weight is important. Foods in a cholesterol diet menu are less in dietary fat.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is seen to layer in the arterial lumen, after a few years. This results in the obstruction of blood flow, thereby reducing the pace of flow.
This results in reduction in nutrients and oxygen, supplied to the vital organs, thereby leading to malfunctioning or death.
Fat in the diet is of two kinds, saturated and unsaturated fats. Fats are solids at room temperature and are not preferred in the daily diet as they are saturated. Milk products and animal foods are a good source of saturated fats. Hydrogenated fats are vegetable oils that are converted to solid fats in the presence of hydrogen. They are saturated and not recommended. Other forms of saturated fats that are not included in a cholesterol diet menu are clarified butter, margarine and butter.
Vegetable oils such as palm oil, cocoa butter and coconut oil are abstained from.
Animal foods such as organ meats (liver) and red meats are avoided. Lean eats are preferred, due to the decreased fat content.
Beans, nuts, flaxseeds, green leafy vegetables, fruits, fresh vegetables and deep water fish are an essential part of a cholesterol diet menu. Soluble fiber in the form of pears, carrots, oats, Brussels sprouts and pears are helpful. Salad dressings that are often greasy are replaced by lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil dressing. Skinless poultry, shell fish, egg white and fish are helpful introducing the cholesterol levels.
Wholesome and fresh foods are preferred for processed foods. Avoid junk foods, such as pizzas, french fries, burgers, potato chips, especially with carbonated beverages.
Carbonated beverages contribute to ‘empty calories’, thereby providing calories, devoid of other essential nutrients. Skimmed milk and low fat dairy products replace whole milk and high fat dairy products.
Soufflés, pastries and ice creams in the dessert are replaced by a fruit salad.
Baked or grilled fish are more preferred than fried fish. Lamb, pork, beef, ham and veal are not recommended. Processed forms of meat like bologna, salami, sausage and hot dogs are not included. Use of nonstick cookware curbs the use of oil. Vegetables, green and fresh fruits are a store house of antioxidants, thereby preventing oxidation and act as a scavenger. Fresh fruit juices are helpful in comparison to alcoholic beverages. Soya beans provide isoflavones and protein. The alpha linolenic acid in flaxseed is useful. Proper care is necessary while planning a cholesterol diet menu to ensure healthy living. |
