Cholesterol Good Foods
August 23rd, 2011
Many Americans suffer from high cholesterol levels, also know as hypercholesterolemia. Cholesterol is divided into several categories with the two most important being LDL and HDL. A high LDL and a low HDL or “good cholesterol” can both be improved with proper nutrition. Keeping these bad cholesterol levels are a major health issue for someone and increases the chances of heart attack, stroke, diabetes, obesity and countless other health problems. Cholesterol good foods goal is to provide information to individuals struggling with these abnormal cholesterol levels and give solid advice on foods that can be implemented into a diet program. A low-cholesterol diet is the first step that one must take before trying medications. Listed below are three of the best cholesterol lowering foods that one can eat and how each of these can improve your cholesterol levels. Another important aspect is to develop a game plan when starting your diet. For those who are in urgent need or want to drop their cholesterol quick it is best to use a detailed plan such as the Blue Heron Health News Plan.
Oatmeal: One of the best ways to kick off your day is with a nice bowl of oatmeal. Try to stay away from the instant variety that adds sugar with the various flavors and stick to Steel Cut Oats or Traditional Oatmeal. Adding in peanut butter, certain fruits and nuts can make this into a very tasty meal. Oatmeal contains antioxidants which help protect the HDL cholesterol in the blood. This food also contains beta-glucans, a special fiber that captures some of the substances that lead to bad cholesterol formation. Oats also contain high amounts of soluble and insoluble fiber. These fibers help prevent rises in blood sugar and insulin levels.
Fish: Fatty fish such as mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout and herring are great choices for improving cholesterol levels. Fish not only provides muscle building protein, but also omega 3 fatty acids which have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. When adding fish to your diet it is important to not overdo it. Adding 2-3 servings a week of any of the above are just some of the cholesterol good foods that can change your health.
Nuts: One of the biggest crazes in the 1980s and early 1990s was the “low fat” diet craze. The various diets would tell users to eliminate all fats for a slimmer waist and better health. After many continued health issues, scientists and doctors realized that good healthy fat is essential for a healthy life. Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts are packed with fat and this fat is good or what I call awesome fat in helping your heart. Nuts provide fiber, phytonutrietns, and antioxidants to the body. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Due to high calorie density of nuts, it is best to limit yourself to 1-2 ounces a day.
If you have come to this site with hopes of finding great foods you have come to the right place. Cholesterol Good Foods is full of great advice and this is just a start. Try supplementing these 3 Foods into your diet as a start and you can greatly improve your health and reduce the risk of some fatal diseases.