Cholesterol lowering food in combination with a healthy fit
lifestyle has been proven over and over again to be one of the
most effective ways of lowering cholesterol naturally.
More people than ever before have high cholesterol even with
millions of dollars being spent each year to try and educate
people on this problem.
Unfortunately, instead of focusing on such things as cholesterol
lowering food the emphasis for dealing with this health problem
has been on 'statin' drugs. Drugs are never a good idea and when
it comes to the 'statins' it's even worse.
So, how can you lower cholesterol naturally without taking risky
prescription medication?
As mentioned above using your diet to lower cholesterol with the
help of cholesterol lowering food is a very good place to start.
There are of course other ways of lowering cholesterol naturally
such as adding cholesterol lowering vitamins to your health
regime, making exercise an important part of your life, etc. but
in this article we'll stick with
cholesterol lowering food and food
additives.
Before going any further it's important that you understand the
difference between LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. You
always hear these terms repeated on the news but what's the
difference between them?
In simplest terms HDL cholesterol is healthy for you. You body
needs it. On the other hand LDL cholesterol is the bad guy. LDL
helps to cause heart disease by allowing cholesterol to build up
in your arteries.
Cholesterol lowering food tip #1. Sandwich's are good to eat for
lunch or when you're in a rush. Use whole wheat bread or a pita
with some either lean turkey, chicken, tuna or most other fish
along with vegetables.
Please avoid high cholesterol, processed meats such as hot dogs,
bologna, and salami. Some condiments are ok to add to your
sandwich, but avoid mayo.
Cholesterol lowering food tip #2. As part of a good diet to
lower cholesterol eat fish such as salmon. The wild red salmon
varieties are better and healthier for you because they contain
high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids (also known as Essential
Fatty Acids - EFA).
If you can't find a good source of salmon use an EFA supplement.
These come as flax seed oil, fish oil or a combination of both.
Cholesterol lowering food tip #3. Look at food labels and stay
away from all foods containing Trans fats. Trans fats will
increase the level of LDL cholesterol in your blood stream and
decrease the good HDL cholesterol.
Foods that contain trans fats include margarine, vegetable
shortening, most processed foods, some types of peanut butter
and foods that contain partially hydrogenated soybean oil.
Cholesterol lowering food tip #4. Feel free to occasionally
snack on different varieties of nuts. The best are walnuts,
almonds, macadamia nuts, cashews, and pecans. While it's true
that most nuts are high in fat, they contain good fat that your
body needs.
Cholesterol lowering food tip #5. Even though it's very tough
for most people, try to keep a tight rein on the amount of
desserts you eat each week. If you absolutely must have a desert
after a meal try to eat only healthier ones such as angel food
cake, graham crackers, Jell-O, and yogurt.
Cholesterol lowering food tip #6. Include high fiber foods in
your diet to lower cholesterol. Some good choices include whole
wheat bread, oatmeal (not the high sugar flavored type), fruit,
vegetables, beans, and certain cereals.
Cholesterol lowering food tip #7. Always eat lean meat and use a
grill or a barbeque to cook them. This way the harmful grease
will just fall away.
Cholesterol lowering tip #8. Salads are good, but most salad
dressings, bacon bits, croutons, etc. aren't. Try to use olive
oil, vinegar or lemon juice.
Cholesterol lowering tip #9. As far as a diet to lower
cholesterol is concerned, most fruits and vegetables being high
in nutrients and antioxidants are very good.
The best are: green peas, broccoli, cauliflower, apples,
oranges, mangos, papaya, pineapple, tomato, garlic, onions,
spinach, water chestnuts, bananas, apricots, blueberries, and
kiwi.
Cholesterol lowering tip #10. Fast foods and fast food
restaurants should be avoided at all times. Yes a lot of burger
joints are now offering "healthier" choices but why get tempted?
As mentioned earlier in this article there are many other ways
to lower your cholesterol, but sticking to a diet to lower
cholesterol is a very good place to start.
About the author:
Patrick Mckeeman has very quick, easy & effective health &
fitness solutions for you. For extensive information on
cholesterol lowering food & cholesterol
lowering vitamins please go to:
http://www.man-health-fitness-solutions.com/chol
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