Cholesterol lowering diet

Many people are intimidated when a doctor recommends incorporating a cholesterol lowering diet . If one is mindful of several helpful factors, bad cholesterol can take a dramatic dip for the better.

Use margarines instead of butter, consume skim milk instead of regular, and cook your foods on the grill or in the oven instead of in the fryer. There are several types of food to lower cholesterol and they are a terrific way to lower cholesterol naturally instead of consuming expensive prescriptions.

Remember, it goes without saying, an exercise regimen, even if it only involves gentle walking around the park, must be incorporated with your cholesterol lowering diet.

Below is a list of foods that can be consumed to increase the likelihood of lowering cholesterol.

• Nuts significantly help lower cholesterol because the polyunsaturated fats and monounsaturated fats fight LDL (“bad cholesterol”).

• Oats and Barley contain Beta Glucan which inhibits cholesterol.

• Fruits and Vegetables contain Pectin, which also cuts down on that LDL.

• Flaxseed contains alpha-linolenic acid which provides fiber and lowers cholesterol.

• Extra virgin olive oil dramatically lowers cholesterol especially if used as a butter substitute in cooking.

• Fish is rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids which thins the blood naturally, preventing clots and lowering cholesterol.

• There are some margarines (such as Benecol) that actually help lower cholesterol naturally because they contain sterols.

• Soy protein prevents heart disease and can lower cholesterol 15-25%! Twenty-five grams per day is the recommended intake for those that have high cholesterol.