Diets to Reduce Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Many people wonder how to reduce their cholesterol and triglycerides through dietary changes. To reduce cholesterol, you need to eat lower-fat foods. To reduce triglycerides, you need to avoid foods that are high in sugar. (Natural sugars in fruits do not raise triglycerides.) Watching portion size is also important.

Alcoholic Beverages

• Drinking alcoholic beverages, especially beer, can spike triglyceride levels, so abstaining from alcoholic beverages will help reduce triglyceride levels.

Alternative Flavoring

• Flavoring foods with non-fat alternatives will help reduce cholesterol. For example, Molly McButter can provide a buttery flavor without the high fat in butter or margarine.

Condiments

• Using mustard instead of mayonnaise will help reduce cholesterol because it is much lower in fat.

Fruits and Vegetables

• Fruits and vegetables are very healthy and contain no animal fats, so a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help reduce cholesterol and triglycerides, especially when they replace high fat and sugary snacks.

Lean Meats

• White meats, such as chicken, are much lower in fat than red meats. Eating a diet with more white meat and fewer red meat will help lower both cholesterol and triglycerides.

Moderate Portions

• Both cholesterol and triglycerides are likely to increase when the person eats larger portions. Reducing portion size can help reduce both cholesterol and triglycerides.