Healthy Nutrition and Lowering Cholesterol |
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It's important to eat an overall healthy diet—include foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grain products and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Eating a wide variety of healthy foods, which includes a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium can help you control your weight and lower your cholesterol.1
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Different fats have different effects on cholesterol.
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Cholesterol in the food you eat can add to the cholesterol level in your blood.1
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Saturated fat, which is found in large amounts in animal products such as meats, lard and dairy, is a key contributor to high blood cholesterol. Reducing the amount of saturated fat you eat is very effective in reducing your cholesterol.1
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Trans fat, found mostly in commercially baked and fried foods, also raises blood cholesterol. You should limit the amount of trans fat in your diet.1
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Use the following general rules when planning your meals1:
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Choose baked, broiled, or grilled dishes over fried
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Eat more vegetables and whole grains
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Eat small servings of lean meat, fatty fish, and skinless poultry1
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Healthy food choices include vegetables, fruits, fish, whole grain products, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products1 |
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Unhealthy food choices include fried food, processed meats, organ meat, fast-food, whole fat dairy products, processed foods with saturated fat or hydrogenated oils (cakes, cookies, pastries, pies)1
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Questions to ask your doctor at your next visit |
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Food Pyramid—An excellent guide for eating healthier
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If you’re not sure what makes up a “balanced diet, ” this Food Pyramid can help. It was developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and shows a general guide to the types of food you should be eating every day.
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