High cholesterol levels can lead to many types of illnesses, especially diseases of the cardiovascular system like hypertension, heart disease and stroke. Cholesterol, fat or plaque can clog small arteries restricting blood flow to the many organs causing increased blood pressure. Plaque can dislodge and journey to major organs like the heart causing cardiac arrest and to the small blood vessels of the brain causing a stroke.
Cholesterol generally comes from two possible sources; from fats that we eat from animal products like meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products and the other from our own bodies when we eat food rich in trans fat. This type of fat causes the body to create unhealthy cholesterol.
It is essential therefore that anyone with a high risk of developing heart diseases to follow a low cholesterol diet as soon as possible. A diet with low cholesterol means:
• A diet with low fat percentage; fat is also a source of energy and calories.
• Diets with more complex carbohydrates that can help eliminate the bad cholesterol in the body. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates are whole grains and bread from white flour contain fiber than can help lower cholesterol levels.
• A diet that is less in saturated fat like food with margarine and vegetable shortening are advised. Cook foods instead with unsaturated fats or monosaturated fats like olive oil or canola oil.
Any medication to decrease cholesterol in the body must be accompanied by a diet low in cholesterol to be able to work. A physician generally prescribes a diet with low cholesterol for at least 6 months to be able to totally reduce cholesterol levels and live healthier than ever before. A diet with low cholesterol may also be a person’s step in achieving the ideal weight he has been looking forward to. Here are some more ways to incorporate a low cholesterol diet in your daily meal plan:
• Eat more fruits and vegetables that contain vitamins and minerals plus are great source of dietary fiber. Fiber acts like small brooms cleaning the body from harmful toxins and decreasing blood cholesterol in the process. Natural chemicals from plants are found in fruits and vegetables like phytosterols and polyphenols that can contribute to a decrease in cholesterol levels. Eat a slice of fruit or a bowl of your favorite berries with every meal or have a vegetable salad instead.
• Avoid foods with trans fat. There are food brands that have made it easy for consumers by listing down ingredients and information on food labels. Anything that says partially hydrogenated in another word for trans fat and must be completely avoided.
• Eat more whole wheat and whole grains like oats, cereals and breads that contain fiber to help eliminate bad cholesterol.
• Meats must be lean without any visible traces of fat like fish, chicken and turkey. Try a lean turkey burger instead of a beef patty the next time you eat a hamburger to follow a low cholesterol diet.

