| The liver makes most of the cholesterol in | | | | blood. In a low cholesterol diet it is |
| the body, but dietary cholesterol plays an | | | | essential to replace white bread and other |
| important role in controlling all the | | | | refined, polished grains with whole-grain |
| cholesterol levels in the body. The levels | | | | varieties. |
| include the total cholesterol and the good | | | | |
| and bad cholesterol. | | | | Nuts and seeds: Nuts like almonds, peanuts, |
| | | | walnuts and seeds like flaxseeds are rich in |
| Good cholesterol, the HDL (high-density | | | | antioxidants (such as vitamin E and selenium) |
| lipoproteins), protects the heart by helping | | | | and in good fats, called omega-3 fatty acids, |
| to transport excess cholesterol from the | | | | which protect the heart by increasing the HDL |
| arteries back to the liver for breakdown and | | | | level. |
| disposal. | | | | |
| | | | Nuts and seeds are also a rich source of |
| On the other hand, the bad LDL (low-density | | | | fiber. The best way to include flaxseeds in a |
| lipoproteins) cholesterol builds up plaque | | | | low cholesterol diet is by grinding them and |
| that clogs the arteries and hinders normal | | | | sprinkling over cereals and salads. |
| blood flow. | | | | |
| | | | Fish: Non vegetarians can choose to have a |
| A low cholesterol diet should not only reduce | | | | fatty cold-water fish such as salmon or tuna |
| the total cholesterol and LDL levels, it must | | | | twice a week to get a rich supply of omega-3 |
| also increase the HDL level at the same time. | | | | fatty acids. |
| | | | |
| Dietary Cholesterol | | | | Beans and legumes: Beans, legumes and lentils |
| | | | are rich sources of protein and fiber and are |
| The main sources of dietary cholesterol are | | | | low in fat content. They make an ideal |
| animal-derived foods rich in cholesterol and | | | | substitute for meats. Soy cheese (tofu) is |
| saturated fats, such as organ meats, egg | | | | another good meat substitute in a low |
| yolk, butter and other full-cream dairy | | | | cholesterol diet. |
| products. Trans fats (as those in deep-fried | | | | |
| foods) and hydrogenated fats (as those in | | | | Fiber-rich foods: Foods like oats, barley, |
| bakery items) are the other culprits. | | | | psyllium, apples, pears, prunes, kidney beans |
| | | | and Brussels sprouts are rich in soluble |
| In a low cholesterol diet, you would replace | | | | fiber, which acts like a broom to sweep out |
| saturated fats with polyunsaturated and | | | | the cholesterol from the arteries. |
| monounsaturated fats such as oils of olive, | | | | |
| canola, peanut, flaxseed, sunflower, and so | | | | Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and |
| on. | | | | vegetables are loaded with fiber, |
| | | | antioxidants, flavanoids and plant sterols, |
| Fats to Avoid | | | | all of which help lower cholesterol and raise |
| | | | HDL level. Some 8-10 servings of fruits and |
| As far as trans fats and hydrogenated fats | | | | vegetables should be included in the daily |
| are concerned, it is advisable to avoid them | | | | low cholesterol diet. |
| as far as possible, which means taking away | | | | |
| French fries, crispies, cakes, cookies, | | | | Garlic, onion: Some people believe garlic |
| pastries, and ice-creams from the low | | | | regulates liver functioning and dissolve the |
| cholesterol diet menu. | | | | cholesterol deposits in the arteries. Others |
| | | | swear that including just half a raw onion in |
| Recommended Low Cholesterol Diet | | | | the daily low cholesterol diet can lower LDL |
| | | | level and increase HDL level. |
| Foods that should make an essential part of a | | | | |
| low cholesterol diet must come from the | | | | Following a low cholesterol diet, with |
| following food groups: | | | | regular exercise, and cutting out on meats, |
| | | | full-cream dairy products, deep-fried foods |
| Cereals and grains: Whole-wheat bread, | | | | and bakery items, can go a long way in |
| unpolished rice, and oats-based cereals are | | | | lowering total cholesterol. Similarly, it |
| foods that are rich in fiber, which helps | | | | lowers LDL cholesterol levels while raising |
| sweep away the bad LDL cholesterol from the | | | | the HDL level. |