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Diets That Lower Cholesterol Triglycerides

Cholesterol and triglycerides are soft fats found in the bloodstream and throughout the body. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), cholesterol and triglycerides are necessary for producing essential hormones and as a source of energy. However, too much cholesterol in the bloodstream can build up on the walls of the arteries and form blood clots, which lead to a heart attack. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels can return to normal through adoption of a more healthy diet.

  1. Function

    • Foods containing fat and cholesterol---such as meat and dairy products---can raise cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Diets that aid in lowering cholesterol use these foods sparingly. The AHA suggests a daily cholesterol consumption of less than 300 mg.

    The Facts

    • People wishing to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels should aim to eat less saturated fats and trans fats, the AHA says. The most common form of saturated fat is found in meats, while trans fat is found in vegetable oil that has been combined with hydrogen. Trans fats will be listed as "partially hydrogenated oils" on food labels and should be avoided. Meats that have been processed---such as salami, hot dogs and some deli lunchmeats---also contain high levels of saturated fats. Foods such as egg yolks, beef and dairy products contain high levels of cholesterol and should be eaten sparingly, according to HealthandAge.com.

    Identification

    • Diets high in fiber are beneficial to those trying to lower cholesterol. Soluble fiber, found in legumes, oatmeal, and barley, assists the body in reducing the cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood stream, reports CNN.com. Other foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, bran and whole grain products. Polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fat are also found to lower cholesterol in the bloodstream, says the AHA. These good fats can be found in fish, olive, canola, peanut and sunflower oils.

    Significance

    • The AHA warns that high cholesterol and triglyceride levels can cause a condition known as atherosclerosis, which is a gradual build-up of plaque in the arteries. Clogged arteries can lead to serious complications such as heart attack and stroke. Many doctors prescribe medications called statins to help lower cholesterol, but StatinAnswers.com warns that these drugs can cause a unwanted side effects, such as muscle pain and memory loss, and in extreme cases, can even be fatal. Adopting a healthy diet is a natural method of lowering cholesterol and, according to CNN.com, has been shown to be just as effective in reducing the risk of plaque build-up and cardiovascular disease.

    Considerations

    • Nutrition labels are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and are found on all prepackaged foods. These labels reveal whether or not the product contains undesirable ingredients, such as trans fats or saturated fats, or desirable ingredients, such as fiber and whole grains. CNN.com recommends people attempting to alter their dietary intake learn about nutrition labels, and how to determine if a food will raise cholesterol or aid in lowering it.

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