High Cholesterol Diet Cholesterol is a lipid, analogous to wax and is an essential component of every cell.
High cholesterol diet contributes to an array of complications, such as gall stones, obesity, renal problems and so on. The total cholesterol levels should be below 200 mg/dl. Triglyceride levels and LDL levels should be less than 150 mg/dl and 100 mg/dl respectively.
Diet plays a vital role in lowering the blood cholesterol levels.
Exercise and lifestyle modifications are equally essential to bring a notable difference. A diet for high cholesterol aims at cutting down on the cholesterol levels. Low fat and high complex carbohydrate diet is helpful in decreasing the blood cholesterol levels. A number of diet that helps in reducing the cholesterol levels exist, such as Mayo clinic diet, low fat diet plan, Mediterranean diet and vegetarian diet.
The Mayo clinic diet is a cholesterol high blood pressure diet. Fruits and vegetables in this diet help in decreasing the blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Red meat restriction is a part of Mediterranean diet. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are the major parts of this diet. A number of low cholesterol foods are available namely, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, seeds, cereals, fish, brown rice and nuts.
Diet and high cholesterol are highly interdependent. Intake of improper diet automatically increases the blood cholesterol levels. A few modifications in the diet help in reducing the cholesterol levels to a great extent. Some of them are:
Avoid the usage of Trans and saturated fats (butter, clarified butter and margarine). Olive oil and fish oil are healthy replacements!
Use non stick cookware to decrease the oil in cooking. Cooking sprays are also a better option
All kind of processed foods are substituted by wholesome and fresh foods
Milk and cream sauces are avoided. Opt for vegetable sauces
Choose lean meat instead of red meat.
Skinless poultry are used to prevent the excess fat
Raw and whole nuts are considered, rather than salted and buttered ones
Whole grains and fortified cereals are more preferred than white breads
Visible fat from all animal foods are trimmed prior to consumption
Egg is a good source of cholesterol and 100 grams comprise of 1.33 grams of cholesterol. Foods such as onion, garlic, flaxseed, wheat bran, beans and oats are helpful. Adherence to dietary guidelines help in decreasing the cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart diseases. General health improves with reduced risk of obesity. A low fat and healthy fat plan is helpful for every individual, and not only those with high cholesterol levels. |
