10 Foods To Lower Cholesterol

If you have high cholesterol, are you doomed to a lifetime of taking medication and dreading every doctor's visit? Not necessarily. In some cases, the right diet can lower your cholesterol count and help you keep it at healthy levels. Watching your intake of cholesterol-rich foods like meat and dairy is the first step. The next is to watch your fat intake, which can cause your cholesterol levels to skyrocket. Nutritionists and medical researchers have found that eating saturated fats compounds the effects of taking in high levels of cholesterol. A high fat intake can bump up your cholesterol levels, and combining it with high-cholesterol food will is a one-two punch to your health.

Dietary Do's and Don'ts

Now you know what not to eat: saturated fats and cholesterol. Cholesterol is only found in animal products including meats, fish and dairy products. Saturated fats are found in oils such as palm oil and coconut oil, fried foods, dairy products, breakfast meats and some bakery products. If you're worried that you can't enjoy eating, however, think again. The best way to maintain your health and enjoy your meals is to replace your high-fat, high-cholesterol foods with those that have beneficial effects. To help lower your blood cholesterol levels, increase your intake of the following heart-healthy foods.

The Anti-Cholesterol Top Ten:

1. Nuts

Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein and healthy carbs, nuts are an easy-to-carry snack that will tide you over between meals and keep your heart healthy. The best nuts to incorporate into your diet are almonds, pistachios, cashews and Brazil nuts. Macadamia nuts and pecans are healthy, too, but they contain fewer nutrients and more calories than other types. If you're trying to lose weight, keep your nut intake low because they are high in fat and calories. On the plus side, you may find that eating a small amount of nuts staves off hunger pangs for a long time, making it easier to stick with your diet.Next