Foods Found In A Diet For High Cholesterol Individuals
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is essential to some of our body functions as well as the production of hormones and cell membranes. Elevated levels of this substance can pose a health risk for everybody. Too much of it can clog our arteries and cause a heart attack. Our bodies effectively produce cholesterol and we also get it from many different foods. It is usually the cholesterol that we get from our food consumption that may be dangerous for our health.
A diet for high cholesterol people is needed to effectively lower the elevated cholesterol levels of any individual. Most people who go on a diet for high cholesterol management and control usually combine it with regular exercise and weight loss for effective lowering of cholesterol levels.
Foods To Omit
There are actually many foods that will not be included in the diet for high cholesterol individuals such as most meats, some processed breads and cakes, almost all dairy products, foods rich in animal fats and some oils. Foods that are high in saturated fats are to be avoided, since these are one of the prime contributors to high cholesterol levels.
Foods To Include
There are five notable foods, among others, that can effectively lower your cholesterol levels. To include these in your diet for high cholesterol control and management can be a good idea. Foods to be included in your diet for high cholesterol are those rich in soluble fiber, omega 3, plants sterols and those with monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats.
A diet for high cholesterol includes oats, apples, pears, psyllium and barley for the soluble fiber. Fatty fish can contain omega 3 which is good cholesterol and very effective in lowering cholesterol levels. Examples of fatty fish are salmon, sardines, mackerel and herring. Foods with plants sterols that can be included in your diet for high cholesterol people are nuts, orange juice, some salad dressings and also some margarine spreads.
A diet for high cholesterol is usually integrated into a program that includes exercise and weight loss. This combination is proven to effectively lower cholesterol and maintain healthy cholesterol levels and weight for most individuals. In cases where exercise, weight loss and a diet for high cholesterol does not effectively work for an individual, medication is often prescribed.
Lowering your elevated cholesterol levels are of the essence especially for individuals who have other health concerns such as diabetes and hypertension.