Archive for December, 2010

Lowering Dietary Cholesterol

High cholesterol can carry a significant impact on individuals, including highly increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Therefore, those who have been found to have a cholesterol level that is too high should already be working on methods for lowering dietary cholesterol. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, and the most important thing is making the decision and really sticking to it.

Avoiding Foods High in Saturated Fat

One of the most important things individuals can do to lower cholesterol is avoid foods that are high in saturated fat. It can seem like a struggle for some individuals, but by learning to replace the unhealthy foods with those lower in saturated fats, it can be a lot easier. Some foods that are high in saturated fat include eggs, fatty beef and other meats, high-fat cheeses and milks, and butter. By avoiding these foods, you can lower your dietary cholesterol.

There are a lot of substitutes to be found – including egg substitutes or egg whites, lean cuts of meat and fish, low-fat cheese and milk, and margarine. They work just as well in your favorite dishes, but with less risk.

Increasing Healthful, Cholesterol-Lowering Foods

There are many foods that help lower cholesterol. Oatmeal, whole grains, blueberries, and any foods with omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber. The soluble fiber helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream while omega-3 fatty acids repair damage done by high cholesterol. Adding significant helpings of these foods in the daily menu can really help with lowering dietary cholesterol.

By using these methods, you can really lower your cholesterol and improve your health.