|  | Conditions Treatments | Cholesterol

Bad Cholestorol Foods

Watching your diet is a natural approach to regulating your cholesterol levels. The medical profession has determined certain foods can raise cholesterol levels, while other foods, over time, can help reduce bad cholesterol. Additionally, there are foods known to increase "good" cholesterol.

  1. Foods that Lower Cholesterol

    • Eating salmon equals good cholesterol.

      If you have bad cholesterol levels, these foods are recommended by the Mayo Clinic:

      1. Oatmeal and Oat Bran
      Because of their soluble fiber content, these cereals reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber attacks cholesterol within the intestines. It takes 10 grams or more per day to lower LDL. When cooking oatmeal, 1 1/2 cups equals 6 grams of fiber. Topping it with fruit adds about 4 more grams of fiber.

      2. Walnuts and Almonds
      Walnuts can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Because they are filled with polyunsaturated fatty acids, these tasty nuts help keep blood vessels healthy and flexible. Almonds have similar results. A handful per day is recommended.

      3. Fish Containing Omega-3 Fatty Acids
      Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating at least two servings of fish a week.

      4. Olive Oil
      Olive oil is heavy in antioxidants that lower LDL cholesterol while leaving "good," high-density lipoprotein (HDL), cholesterol levels untouched. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 2 tbsp. (23 grams) per day for heart-healthy benefits.

    Foods that can Raise Cholesterol

    • Eating cow products equals bad cholesterol.

      Foods that are bad, or high in cholesterol, are made by animals. You are adding cholesterol to your system when you consume animal products. At eMedTV.com, there is an extensive list of foods that produce cholesterol, including:

      Red meat
      Chicken (poultry)
      Fish (fish with omega-3 fatty acids builds "good" cholesterol, but shellfish increases "bad" cholesterol)
      Lamb
      Pigs
      Eggs
      Butter
      Cheese
      Whole milk

    Food Clues

    • Beware of store bakery items.

      If you are monitoring your cholesterol, check all food labels for saturated fats, and beware of processed foods and store bakery items.

Cholesterol - Related Articles