If you are like most adults in the United States, your blood cholesterol level is higher than it should be. Health experts continue to lower the optimal cholesterol numbers to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Whether or not you already take cholesterol-lowering medication, making some simple dietary changes can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease even more.
What foods lower cholesterol?
Certain foods help to keep your cholesterol levels in check. These foods lower cholesterol in various ways:
- oats
- barley and other whole grains
- eggplant and okra
- nuts
- vegetable oils
- apple, grapes, strawberries
- foods fortified with sterols and stanols
- soy
- fatty fish
- fiber supplements.
Keep in mind that not all high cholesterol foods are bad for you. For example, eggs are relatively high in cholesterol. But they don't raise cholesterol levels as much as saturated fats. And they're also packed with protein and other nutrients.
What foods cause high cholesterol?
It's the foods that are high in saturated fat that you need to worry about, because they can raise your cholesterol levels AND make you gain weight.
What are the worst foods for high cholesterol? Red meat, fried foods, and baked goods are notorious for raising levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the sticky kind that builds up in artery walls.
Here are 4 foods you'll want to avoid if you have high cholesterol:
1. Red meat. Beef, pork, and lamb are generally high in saturated fat. Cut of meat like hamburger, ribs, pork chops, and roasts are highest in fat. You don't have to avoid meat entirely, just eat it only on occasion. Limit yourself to the recommended 3-ounce portion size and stick to leaner cuts like sirloin, pork loin, or filet mignon.
Better yet, replace meat with proteins that are lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, like skinless chicken or turkey breast, fish, and beans.
2. Fried foods. Foods that have taken a dip in the deep fryer, like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings are among the worst when it comes to cholesterol. Frying increases the energy density, or calorie count of foods.
If you love the crunch of fried food, use an air fryer and toss your food in a little bit of olive oil. Or bake foods like potato wedges and chicken at a high temperature until they're golden brown.
3. Processed meats. Hot dogs, sausage, and bacon use the fattiest cuts of red meat, and therefore tend to be high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Bacon and sausage made with turkey or chicken might seem healthier, and they are somewhat lower in cholesterol than the red meat versions, but they're not cholesterol-free.
4. Baked goods. Cookies, cakes, and pastry are often made with large quantities of butter and shortening, making them high in cholesterol. You don't have to give up dessert entirely, just make a few substitutions. When you bake, use applesauce or bananas in place of butter.Or have low-fat frozen yogurt topped with berries for dessert.
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FAQs
Cholesterol is often high due to excessive saturated and trans fat consumption. There are certain drinks that can help maintain an ideal cholesterol level. Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.
What are the six super foods that lower cholesterol? ›
- Legumes. Share on Pinterest. ...
- Avocados. Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fats and fiber, two nutrients that help lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol. ...
- Nuts. ...
- Fatty fish. ...
- Whole grains. ...
- Fruits and berries. ...
- Dark chocolate and cocoa. ...
- Garlic.
Cholesterol is often high due to excessive saturated and trans fat consumption. There are certain drinks that can help maintain an ideal cholesterol level. Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.
What are 4 foods to avoid in a low cholesterol diet? ›
High intake of foods containing unhealthy fats (saturated fats and trans fats) – such as fatty meats and deli-style meats, butter, cream, ice cream, coconut oil, palm oil and most deep-fried takeaway foods and commercially baked products (such as pies, biscuits, buns and pastries).
What is the number one food to lower cholesterol? ›
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Oatmeal has soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.
What is the golden drink that lowers cholesterol? ›
Golden milk, also known as turmeric milk, is a common Indian drink that has recently been gaining popularity in western cultures due to many health claims. It's beautiful bright yellow color is a result of adding turmeric, along with spices such as cinnamon and ginger, to milk.
Are bananas good for cholesterol? ›
The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system. Grapes get into the bloodstream and carry all the bad cholesterol into the liver where it gets processed.
Is peanut butter good for cholesterol? ›
Due to its high amount of unsaturated fats, peanut butter may help reduce a person's LDL cholesterol levels. Having optimal LDL levels is linked with a lower risk of heart disease. A 2015 study found that people who had a high intake of nuts may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.
What foods flush out bad cholesterol? ›
Cholesterol-lowering foods
1) Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods. Foods high in soluble fiber help reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is also found in kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes. 2) Fish and omega-3 fatty acids.
What are the 5 signs of high cholesterol? ›
You develop symptoms of heart disease, stroke, or atherosclerosis in other blood vessels, such as left-sided chest pain, pressure, or fullness; dizziness; unsteady gait; slurred speech; or pain in the lower legs. Any of these conditions may be linked to high cholesterol, and each requires medical help right away.
Reduced risk of heart disease
Plant compounds found in lemons--namely limonin, hesperidin, and diosmin--have also been found to lower your cholesterol levels.
What is the super fruit for cholesterol? ›
Watermelon naturally contains lycopene, which has lipid lowering properties, reducing total and LDL cholesterol. For those who aren't big on watermelon, consider adding apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits or even avocados to your diet.
Is banana good for high cholesterol? ›
The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system. Grapes get into the bloodstream and carry all the bad cholesterol into the liver where it gets processed.
