High Cholesterol Diet – Foods to Eat & Avoid!

Around the world, heart disease is the leading cause of death. Too much cholesterol could cause serious heart problems. Thankfully, by watching whatever you eat, i.e. the proper cholesterol foods, you can control and lower your cholesterol levels. Your cholesterol levels are affected by everything you eat. The following is a list of foods that raise cholesterol and foods which lower cholesterol.

What is cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy kind of fat, or lipid, that circulates in the bloodstream. Because lipids do not dissolve in the water, they do not separate in the blood. Cholesterol is produced by the body, but it can also be obtained through food. Cholesterol can only be found in animal-based meals.

Importance of cholesterol in bodies

Every cell in the body requires cholesterol, which aids in the formation of cell membrane layers. The contents of the cell are protected by these layers, which operate as gatekeepers for what can enter and leave the cell. It is produced by the liver, which also uses it to produce bile, which aids digestion. Cholesterol is also required for the production of some hormones and vitamin D. Your liver produces sufficient cholesterol to meet your body's requirements for these vital processes.

Good cholesterol vs high cholesterol:

High cholesterol is frequently associated with bad health as a result of LDL. However, there is a counterpart known as HDL (high-density lipoprotein), which is healthy cholesterol. HDL transports proteins to the liver, in which they are broken down and eliminated as waste. HDL can be found in a variety of foods, including olive oil, cereals, beans, fibre-rich meals, and fatty fish. It's critical that the LDL levels are low and your HDL levels remain rising when you take your blood test. There are various causes of high cholesterol.

Foods to eat if you have cholesterol

Legumes:

By eating pulses, beans, and peas, you can keep your cholesterol levels in check. Fibre, protein and vital minerals abound in them. They are low in calories and hence aid in weight loss.

Nuts:

Protein, monounsaturated fats or good fats, and other elements abound in nuts. They enhance heart health, blood pressure regulation, and cholesterol reduction. Cholesterol-absorbing foods are what they're called.

Whole grains:

Whole grains, such as oats, barley, and quinoa, can help lower cholesterol and enhance heart health. Fibre, vitamins, and minerals abound in them. They aid in the reduction of LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol.

Fruits:

Fruits are considered cholesterol-lowering foods because they are high in soluble fibre. They prevent cholesterol from being produced in the liver. Because of their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory qualities, they help to avoid cardiac problems. Apples, grapes, citrus fruits, and berries are all excellent choices.

Dark chocolate:

Antioxidants are abundant in dark chocolate. This lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) levels and inhibits oxidation in the body, resulting in improved heart function. To keep your sugar levels in check, choose a less sweet kind.

Foods to avoid in high cholesterol:

Refined vegetable oil:

Hydrogenation is used to extend the shelf life of all refined vegetable oils. Use virgin or cold-pressed oils wherever possible. Safflower, canola, corn, and soy oil that has been refined are dangerous to your health.

Packaged foods:

Packaged and processed foods are high in trans fats, which raise harmful cholesterol levels in the body. Avoid packaged snacks such as chips, crackers, and other snacks.

Ice cream and cream cheese:

The fat content of ice cream is more than that of 10 doughnuts. Cream cheese and ice cream are high in calories, so avoid them if you want to minimize your cholesterol.

Fried foods:

When food is fried, the nutritional value diminishes and the amount of trans fats increases, making it extremely unhealthy. If you want to lower your cholesterol, stay away from French fries and pakoras.

Baked goods:

The majority of commercial baked goods include hydrogenated oil and are high in sugar. They are a delectable treat, but they are extremely high in cholesterol. This category includes cookies, muffins, pastries, candies, and cakes.

Microwave popcorn:

Microwave popcorn contains a lot of butter and salt, which raises LDL levels in the body. A healthier option would be a fat-free version with very little or no salt. Cardiac health and cholesterol levels will be good if you eat appropriately and make healthy dietary choices.

Eggs:

Eggs are one of the healthiest things you can consume. They're also heavy in cholesterol, with one large egg (50 grammes) containing 207 milligrammes. Eggs are generally avoided because they are thought to raise cholesterol levels in the blood. Eggs, on the other hand, do not elevate cholesterol levels and, in fact, eating whole eggs may increase the heart-protective HDL (good) cholesterol. Eggs are a good source of highly easily absorbed protein and helpful elements including selenium, vitamin A, and numerous B vitamins, in addition to being high in cholesterol. For healthy persons, eating 1–3 eggs per day has been proven to be absolutely safe.

Takeaway

It's not common for folks to have too low or too high bad cholesterol or good cholesterol. Studies are being conducted that demonstrate that extremes of any kind are not good for everyone. Genetic disorders can cause you to have extremely low cholesterol levels in some circumstances. Low cholesterol levels can also be caused by nutritional issues, some malignancies, hypothyroidism, and certain infections. The underlying concerns must be addressed in these types of scenarios.