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Cholesterol Diet Plans

Cholesterol is fat that naturally occurs in the body. It's produced by the liver and is a vital component to healthy bodily functions and cell structure. But excess cholesterol can build up in the arteries and cause a condition called atherosclerosis, which can lead to embolism, stroke, heart attacks and blindness. Cholesterol is found in foods with high fat content, like meat, shrimp, egg yolks and dairy products.

  1. Lower-Fat Meats

    • If you have high cholesterol, lower the fat in your diet by choosing lean meats like white meat turkey and chicken, pork tenderloin or lean cuts of beef like eye of round roast, top sirloin steak or 95 percent lean ground.

    Eat More Fish

    • Fish is a great choice to help lower your cholesterol. Many fish are fatty, but the type of fat found in fish is beneficial and helps raise good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

    Add Fiber

    • Adding fiber in the form of beans, nuts, fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps lower cholesterol and reduce overall calorie intake, which will have additional beneficial results. Fill your plate with half vegetables, one-fourth whole grains like wild rice or whole grain bread, and one-fourth protein, like lean meat for a well-balanced, low-fat, high-fiber meal.

    Shellfish

    • In general, shellfish have gotten an undeserved bad reputation. The real culprit is shrimp, with 200 mg of cholesterol in about 4 oz., and cooking methods like breading and deep-frying. Lobster, clams, scallops, mussels, oysters and crabs are all low in cholesterol. Just don't fry them or dip them in butter.

    Eggs and Dairy

    • Egg yolks are high in fat and cholesterol and should be limited, but egg whites are high in protein and contain no fat. Dairy products should be chosen for low fat content. Fat free or 1 percent milk, fat-free yogurt and hard cheeses in moderation can be part of a low-cholesterol diet.

    Cholesterol Diet Plan

    • A good cholesterol diet plan is a heart-healthy diet, high in fiber, low in saturated fats and loaded with nutrients. Lowering your cholesterol lowers your risk of heart disease and other complications, and promotes better overall health, including weight loss and more energy.

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