Low Cholesterol Foods

Low cholesterol foods or low cholesterol diets are extremely important not just for individuals suffering from high cholesterol levels, but also for those suffering from high blood pressure. Foods that have little or no cholesterol should form the main aspect of any low cholesterol diet. These foods would include vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes. There are a number other cholesterol lowering foods that you can include in your diet. Include oats as a part of your daily intake.

Ensure that you cut out white flour from your diet and include low cholesterol food such as multigrain bread. You should also restrict your consumption of red meat to a minimum and if possible, eliminate it from your diet altogether. Fish, chicken, and turkey should be substituted for red meat but be consumed in moderation.

As part of a diet intended to lower your cholesterol levels, it would be ideal for you to eat at least three to five servings of vegetables and fruits on a daily basis. You should also eat about six to ten servings of legumes and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables have no cholesterol and are very low in both saturated fat and total fat. A diet with a large amount of fruit and vegetables is the ideal cholesterol lowering food plan. This would be an ideal substitute for a diet full of foods that are high in saturated fats or cholesterol. Breads, cereals, pasta, rice and other grains, as well as peas and dry beans, generally have a high amount of starch and fiber while they are low in both saturated fat and calories. These foods also have no dietary cholesterol. However, you should remember that some bakery breads and similar products are made with high fat. High cholesterol milk, eggs, and butter and should be cut out of your diet completely. You should also switch to cooking your food in zero or low cholesterol options like olive oil.

Amongst the most popular diets for individuals who wish to lower their cholesterol levels would be a vegetarian diet and a low fat diet. A vegetarian diet insists on abstinence from any meat, poultry or fish. The bulk of the diet is made up low cholesterol foods like fruits, vegetables and grains, while seeds, nuts and soy products can also be included. A low fat diet aims at a reduction in the intake of fat, and has numerous health benefits. A low fat diet encourages consumption of any food to lower cholesterol levels, or low fat foods, while discouraging the intake of foods high in fat. Any cholesterol lowering food plan aims to reduce intake of fats as they are most responsible for raising cholesterol levels.

Submitted on January 16, 2014