Dietary Ways to Lower Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a big indicator of serious illness to come. It is one of the biggest markers used to determine risk of things like heart attack, stroke and other serious potentially life threatening or debilitating conditions. It is therefore of the utmost importance that we keep this important health reading within healthy ranges.
One way to seriously lower cholesterol, along with salt and sugar in your diet, both of which are also huge factors in increasing health risks, is to limit your consumption of processed foods. This includes anything that comes in a box, can, frozen tray, frozen bag, or otherwise prepackaged, premade products.
The reason for this is that these foods are often loaded with fats, sugars and salts and are also loaded with preservatives that add to health woes and can potentially raise your cholesterol rates. Avoiding prepackaged foods is one of the best ways to ensure you are eating correctly for your health and the health of your heart.
Trans fats are the biggest no-no when it comes to regulating cholesterol readings. Trans fats are partially hydrogenated oils. They are found in thousands of foods, and are particularly abundant in fast foods and prepackaged foods as they supply a lot of flavor and more stable preservation at a lower cost.
A great way to increase heart and cholesterol healthy foods is to avoid prepackaged and make your own meals. Include low fat dairy, such as natural, preservative free and preferably organic yogurts, wholesome unsalted nuts rich in cholesterol-lowering omega 3 fatt y acids like walnuts, almonds and brazil nuts, whole grains such as quinoa, and low fat white meats such as organically farmed free range chicken, pork and white fish.’
Fruits to include that can help your cholesterol include pretty much any fruit. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit are excellent. Blueberries, raspberries, acai berries and strawberries all pack an antioxidant punch while helping lower cholesterol by adding lots of fiber and vitamins without any fat content.
Steamed vegetables are excellent when drizzled with a bit of olive oil (extra virgin) and some light seasoning. Broccoli is a favorite, as well as spinach, for helping to lower cholesterdol levels and add important vitamins to the diet.