Low Cholesterol Diet - What to Avoid and What to Eat For The Best Protection Against Heart Disease

What to Avoid and What to Eat For The Best Protection Against Heart Disease

Although the body needs cholesterol, excessive amounts of it can be dangerous. This is why millions of people in the US and throughout the world are suffering from some form of heart disease. It is so important to eat right and stay healthy, and switching to a low cholesterol diet will help you achieve this.

The primary function of cholesterol is to build the body's cell walls. However, only a small amount of cholesterol is needed and is utilized in the body.

The excess amount is deposited naturally in the arteries. As a result, it narrows the arteries and causes a disease called atherosclerosis.

In addition, a high cholesterol level in the body leads to the risk of heart attack, stroke and many other heart related diseases.

Because of this, you need to follow a strict low cholesterol diet and give yourself every protection possible.

Food to Avoid in a Low Cholesterol Diet:

· Coconut oil, margarine, butter - They are rich in cholesterol and should be avoided. While many people think that margarine contains less cholesterol than butter, this is a big misconception. The truth is, they both have equal cholesterol amounts.

· Eggs (especially egg yolk) and red meat - They contain a high amount of cholesterol. These are not low cholesterol diet foods as they contain large amounts of saturated fats. As such, it is recommended to avoid eating beef and pork.

· Whole fat dairy products such as whole milk, cheese, butter, and many more - These contain a high amount of cholesterol and fat. They are not healthy for the body.

· Almost all types of junk food - This is because they contain a high amount of cholesterol and saturated fat. This is why you need to reduce your intake or totally abstain from eating fried foods and junk foods.

· Ice cream - This also contains high cholesterol and saturated fat and should be limited.

Foods Perfect for a Low Cholesterol Diet:

· Peas, Legumes, and Beans - They don't contain any cholesterol.

· Fruits and Vegetables - These foods have no cholesterol or fats. Instead, they have other essential nutrients. In addition, many vegetables contain fibres that are advantageous to the body.

· Opt for low-fat milk, yogurt, and low-fat cheese - These are the good alternatives to whole fat dairy products. Tofu is also a good substitute for a low cholesterol diet because it is really healthy.

· Whole grain or wheat bread - Instead of white bread, these are the better and healthier options. Oat barn and oatmeal are also good for lowering the cholesterol level in the body. In fact, eating oatmeal is the best way to start the day.

Strengthen your diet with natural supplements that will provide your body with invaluable nutrients that have cholesterol lowering properties as well as other essential health benefits.

Following a low cholesterol diet will put you on the path to greater heart health and will protect you against coronary artery disease, which affects more than 14 million people in the US alone.