What Kinds Of Foods Are There To Eat On A Low Cholesterol Diet?

Question: What Kinds Of Foods Are There To Eat On A Low Cholesterol Diet?

Answer: Believe it or not, there are a variety of foods to eat on a low cholesterol diet. The most important factor in considering any diet that lowers cholesterol is watching the amount and types of fats that you consume. Unsaturated fats, also known as your "good" fats, are heart-healthy and can actually lower your LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, and raise your HDL cholesterol, or "good" cholesterol. It is important that the fats you do consume in your diet should be of this type of fat. Foods that are high in unsaturated fats include:

• Nuts, such as walnuts and pistachios
• Fish, especially salmon
• Certain types of oils, like olive oil
• Avocado
• Seeds, such as sunflower seeds

Another group of heart healthy foods are whole grains, such as oatmeal, flaxseed, and whole wheat bread. These are high in fiber, which can help to bind cholesterol and prevent its passage into the bloodstream.

You also do not have to shy away from animal meats on a low cholesterol diet. However, you should chose leaner meats, such as chicken and turkey. Additionally, any spare fat you see attached to the meat should also be trimmed away before consuming. And, if you get tired of these meats, try eating fish. Fish, especially salmon, are high in unsaturated fats.

And lastly, fruits and vegetables are also an important part of any heart-healthy diet. They are low in fat and calories and high in nutrients.

_Sources:

Rolfes SR, Whitney E. Understanding Nutrition, 3rd ed 2005.