Best Tips for a Low Cholesterol Diet

Thursday, 31 July 2008

High cholesterol level is the main culprit for many health problems. This includes diseases such as stroke, diabetes, high blood diseases, hypertension and more. Few years ago, it was only men who were prone to this type of sickness. However, as years pass, women aging 35 and above are now included in the list of those who die or confined in the hospital due to high cholesterol level. Because of this, may are now beginning to be health conscious. Many are now trying to include low cholesterol diet in their daily meal. They realized that this does not only benefit their heart but their whole well-being as well.

The first advise that most experts give when it comes to low cholesterol diet is to lessen the intake of foods that are high in fat. Avoid eating dairy products such as whole milk, cheese, creams and butter. These products are contains high level of saturated fat. Saturated fat are food components that increases the level of your blood cholesterol more than anything else in your meal. Even your favorite ice cream has a lot of saturated fat that needs to be avoided. This type of fat is usually concentrated on the fat that surrounds different kinds of meat, especially pork meat.

Another great way to have a low cholesterol diet is to include in your meal a fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Although fish have saturated fat as well, the level is not high as high compared to the likes of pork, beef and chicken. According to the American Heart Association, you will be needing at least two servings of fish every week. There are several fish out in the market that is rich in Omega 3 Fatty acid. This includes herring, trout, sardines, mackerel, and salmon.

And last but not the least is to have foods rich in soluble fiber included in your low cholesterol diet. Foods such as oat bran and oatmeal can be easily prepared so that people who are on the go can still have time to eat the food products containing whole oat flour and alike. Studies show that constant eating of oatmeal at least once a day may help reduce LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein which is the bad kind of cholesterol in the body. Having a low cholesterol diet does not necessarily mean eating tasteful foods to make you healthy. All it needs is a little patience and discipline to help you achieve a lower cholesterol in no time.