While adding foods that are good for reducing cholesterol is important, it is equally important to stay off foods that increase cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that incorporates daily exercise and a balanced diet go a long way in effective cholesterol management.
Here are a few things that you could avoid to keep your cholesterol in check –
- Saturated Fats: Saturated fats include animal fats like tallow, and palm oil. They raise LDL levels in the body.
- Hydrogenated Fats: Hydrogenated fats or trans-fatty acids raise the level of bad cholesterol and reduce the good cholesterol in the body. They raise the risk of heart disease.***These include hardened fats and oils such as margarine and lard.
- Heated Fats: Stick to unrefined cold- or expeller-pressed oils that have never been heated above 110°F during processing, beyond which enzyme destruction starts. Fat that has not been heated beyond this point boosts the production of good cholesterol.
- Meat: Processed meats such as sausages, salami and bacon are high cholesterol foods and should be limited in the diet. Skinless poultry meat can be consumed in moderation.
- Fatty/Fried Foods: Fried food is high in cholesterol and calories, and may contain trans-fatty acids which are not good for your health.**
- Dairy Products: Dairy products such as non-fat milk and low-fat cottage cheese are rich in cholesterol and should be avoided or consumed in moderation.
- Other Harmful Foods: Food products such as alcohol, cakes, candy, carbonated drinks, coffee, gravies, non-dairy creamers, pies, processed or refined foods, refined carbohydrates, tea, tobacco and white bread are best avoided.
Even a little care in terms of diet, lifestyle and exercise goes a long way in cholesterol management.
