|  | Family Health | Mens Health

Dietary Suggestions for a Man With High Cholesterol

If you're a man, chances are that you are at risk of having high cholesterol. As men grow older, their LDL cholesterol levels climb higher as well. Fortunately, high LDL cholesterol can be controlled with drug therapy, lifestyle changes and diet restructuring.

  1. Fruits and Vegetables

    • The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that men with high cholesterol eat at least 4.5 cups of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables contain a healthy dose of insoluble and soluble fiber. Five to 10 g of soluble fiber per day, can lower LDL cholesterol by up to 5 percent. The fruits and vegetables can be any form, fresh, frozen or canned. But, choose varieties that do not have any extras such as salt, sugar and fat.

    Meat

    • Meat should be limited to 5 oz or less per day. Choose skinless cuts of poultry to lower cholesterol intake. Other meats that are low in cholesterol include round steak, extra lean ground beef and pork tenderloin. Since fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids lower promote heart health, men should consume two servings each week. Fish high in this nutrient include sardines, salmon and albacore tuna.

    Grains

    • Men diagnosed with high cholesterol should increase the amount of whole grains in their diet. Whole grains provide a variety of nutrients and fiber, especially soluble fiber. A good source of soluble fiber is oatmeal. A 1.5 cup serving contain 6 g of fiber.

    Fats

    • Some types of oils and fats should be limited in men with high cholesterol. Eliminate all trans fats from the diet as they may increase LDL cholesterol levels. A common source of trans fats are margarines and commercial processed baked goods. Saturated fats should also be avoided because they may increase cholesterol levels as well. Saturated fats can be found in butter, cheese and poultry skin. Unsaturated fats provide a healthier source of fat for a man's diet. These fats remain in their liquid state at room temperature. They can be are found in olive oil, canola oil and sunflower oil

    Considerations

    • Diet is only one aspect of cholesterol management. Consider exercising regularly to further lower cholesterol. Keep in mind that sometimes diet and exercise alone or not enough to lower high cholesterol levels. Some physicians may prescribe medications. The five most common prescribed medicines for high cholesterol are statins, bile acid sequestrants, nicotinic acid, fibrates and ezetimibe.

Mens Health - Related Articles