Dieting to Control Cholesterol

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When a person has high cholesterol, they have a condition that is also known as hypercholesterolemia, simply meaning that the level of cholesterol in the blood is higher than it should normally be. A person who has high cholesterol will not exhibit any symptoms. But as the cholesterol increases and sticks to the inside of blood vessels; clogged arteries, heart disease and stroke are the result.

You should know that there are several different types of cholesterol. LDL-cholesterol, which is also known as “bad cholesterol” is the type of cholesterol that is blamed for causing heart disease and stroke. HDL-cholesterol, also referred to as “good cholesterol,” helps to prevent heart disease and stroke. A blood test can easily measure the amount of these cholesterols within the body. When you have high cholesterol, you are in more risk of developing complications regarding your health.

Factors that Contribute to High Cholesterol

1) Obesity

If a person is overweight, they will have an increased risk for many health complications, including high cholesterol

2) Little or No Exercise

When you a person leads a sedentary lifestyle, they increase their risk for high cholesterol.

3) Smoking

This is one of the biggest risk factors that contribute to heart disease.

4) Diet

Consuming a high cholesterol, high fat diet obviously has negative effects on the body.

5) Hereditary

If you have a parent or sibling who has high cholesterol, you will have an increased risk for having high cholesterol and heart disease.

Below you will find some tips on how your diet can control your cholesterol level:

Controlling Your Cholesterol Level

1) Incorporate tons of fruits and vegetables in your diet because they are low in calories and fat.

2) Lower your intake of saturated fats because these have been associated with heart disease.

3) When you cook with or consume partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as margarine and shortening, you will be ingesting an unsaturated fat that is known as a trans-fat. These fats raise blood cholesterol level, such as LDL. This oils can be found in fried foods, as well as in processed foods, such as cookies, chips and candy.

4) Increase the amount of grain products that you eat. This can be found in food items, such as cereals, pastas and breads. These are low in cholesterol.

5) Instead of using whole milk in your cereal and when you drink, replace it with low-fat or skim milk. When eating yogurt, substitute low-fat or non-fat versions for the whole versions of your dairy products.

6) When you cook, use lean meats, such as turkey and chicken. Avoid red meats, which have been shown to increase cholesterol levels. Saturated fats are also found within fried foods and meat.

7) Limit the use of cheese when you are cooking or eating.

8) Use olive and canola oils when you are cooking. These are quite high in monounsaturated fats that help to lower cholesterol levels.

9) Choose a low-fat alternative when you crave salad dressing, sauces or dips. If you must use the real deal, place them on the side instead of pouring them on your foods. You will use less if you follow this tip.