Foods That Prevent High Cholesterol

By: Adrian Hardy



Cholesterol is thought to become a problem for people over 40. Although this is not strictly true (as some children and young adults can also have high cholesterol), it is often the consequence of eating the wrong types of foods for many years. Certainly the metabolism has begun to slow down and the person is probably not as active as they used to be. They are probably well advanced in a career and have responsibilities, like a mortgage and children to raise, so it becomes easy to lose focus of their personal wellbeing at the expense of the family. Thus 40 seems to be a good age to start considering personal health issues. This article will cover what high cholesterol is and some foods that prevent high cholesterol.

According to the American Heart Association, normal cholesterol levels should be less than 200mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter of blood). Anything from 200 – 239mg/dl is considered borderline high. Anything over 239mg/dl is considered high. The only way you can determine this level is by having a blood test. Your doctor can administer the blood test and advise you on possible treatment if your numbers are high.

In most cases the treatment is simple. Modifying your diet and taking on more exercise will help to lower your high cholesterol. In some cases drugs may be used, but they are only prescribed in cases where the reading is extremely high or the diet/exercise has had no affect on reducing the cholesterol level.

In terms of food to eat it is also simple. You don't need to go on any fad diet, just stick to a balanced diet that gives you the required vitamins and minerals. It should give you a good balance between carbohydrates, proteins and some fats.

Animals fats are the primary cause of excess cholesterol so you should avoid high fat dairy products. You should trim the fat off meat and look into eating leaner types and cuts of meat.

In terms of fats, you should restrict your fat intake to mono and polyunsaturated fats, like olive oil. You should avoid saturated fats and trans fats. These types of fats are often found in processed foods hence the reason to avoid packaged or processed foods. Fresh foods are best. This applies to meats but more so to vegetables and fruits. You should get as much fresh vegetables as you can. Steaming or boiling is best. This is the basic guideline for a balanced diet that will reduce or at least stabilize your cholesterol level. There are other foods that can actively reduce it.

Soluble fiber which can be found in oatmeal or porridge is thought to be good for reducing cholesterol. It works on two fronts. It prevents the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. It cannot be completely metabolized by the body and is excreted, however, as it passes through the digestive system it attaches to LDL cholesterol thus helping to reduce the overall reading.

Another product that actively prevents high cholesterol is spreads that contain plant sterols. Plant sterols are the plant equivalent of animal sterols (or cholesterol) so they compete with animal sterols when they are being absorbed into the small intestine. Plant sterols are also added to things like fruit juices and yogurts.

More Articles

Eating A Low Cholesterol Diet Can Improve Your Health

... few of your eating habits, however, we can both lower our cholesterol and improve our overall health. Most people cringe when their doctor tells them they need to start eating a low cholesterol diet. While it is important to cut down on the cholesterol in your diet, you are not limited to eating just ... 

Can We Lower Cholesterol Naturally

... our body's absorb them. In contrast, if you've ingested animal fats, the body eliminates the cholesterol from these fats. Our bodies will accept then absorb the plant sterols and at the same time eliminate the LDL cholesterol from the body. If we could only extract these plant sterols in larger quantities ... 

Best Diets For High Cholesterol That Will Lower Your Cholesterol

... baked or broiled foods instead of fried. Nickolas at cholesterolfactsonline.com These are only some of the foods you want to avoid or limit. Along with these you want to watch your servings of breads, cakes, whole eggs, whole milk, whipped cream and others. In doing this you will learn new combinations ... 

Information On Cholesterol - An In-Dept Health Guide.

... heart-stoppers should be taken more seriously. In fact lots of individuals don't even know how the whole process works. Well, let me summarize it for you. To begin with your heart is your body's engine. It pumps blood throughout your entire frame. When you start to consume foods that are high in fat and ... 

Cholesterol: Good Or Bad?

... prevent the build up in the arteries. Essentially what you should know is that your body does need cholesterol. It is used to repair cells, to produce hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, and is converted to aid in digestion. So, you don't want to just arbitrarily jump on a complete cholesterol ... 

The Importance Of Understanding Your Cholesterol Level

... this does not mean that your cholesterol level is proper. Your first port of call should always be a health professional. Sorting out Your Cholesterol Level There are some considerations that you need to think about when you are trying to understand your cholesterol level especially when put against your ... 

The Problem With Red Yeast Rice

... is naturally occurring, it may interact with some of the prescription medications you are already taking. Your doctor will also know if red yeast rice will affect any health condition you have. Also, be sure to buy your red yeast rice from a reputable dealer who will not sell you out-of-date or contaminated ... 

Cholesterol Information - Medication, Lifestyle And Food

... liver at some point in time, it contains cholesterol. That goes for dairy products, too. Cholesterol is found in the fat part of the food. Whole milk contains more cholesterol than non-fat milk. In eggs, the cholesterol is in the yolks. If your food has a nutrition label, look for saturated fat - some ... 

Why Should You Worry About High Cholesterol?

... causing heart attack or stroke. Cholesterol is a fatty wax like substance that is produced by your body to help preserve cell function. On top of the cholesterol your body produces, you also add to your cholesterol level by the foods you eat. The more fat your diet includes, the more likely you are to ...