Food for People with High Cholesterol
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Written by Administrator
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Monday, 11 February 2008 |
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Bad cholesterol settles down in the body very stubbornly. This common occurrence is the cause of great problems for those who are affected by it. One would not worry so much about cholesterol but for the fact that cholesterol cannot be passed out or rinsed away easily with water. The worrisome truth about bad cholesterol is that it is present in the very narrow veins where the vital flow of blood cannot be halted even for a second.
Many people mistake presence of cholesterol itself as dangerous. It is incorrect. Good cholesterol is very much required for the vital processes of our body. It is the bad choleseterol which must be prevented from blocking the arteries. After years of excessive consumption of high cholesterol diet people find out one sad day that it is too late to take care of their health.
Weight gain and cholesterol make good partners and that is the reason many overweight or obese people are found to have high cholesterol levels. Some drugs, some foods and hereditary traits affect the levels of cholesterol in a person's body. Therefore many normal weight persons are surprised to know that their cholesterol levels are high.
People come to know about their cholesterol level only on clinical testing of their blood and there is very less information which can help them understand this in the normal course. The simple truth is that personal diagnosis cannot ensure proper handling of the cholesterol issues by any person.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important if one has to prevent health troubles. It is easier said than done. The single most practical precaution is to eat the right type of food. Fats are to be avoided.
There are food groups that can help in reducing the cholesterol levels. Some foods with antioxidants help in elimination of the bad cholesterol from the blood.
Cholesterol levels can be controlled by eating more of the following foods:
OATMEAL and FIBERS - Oatmeal is not only nutritious fiber but also is well known for its ability to reduce cholesterol. Experts have studied and established these benefits during studies between 1980-1989. However, it lost its popularity only to become prominent during 1997 when the Food and Drug Administration announced its role in prevention of heart disease. Taken regularly along with a good low fat diet, oat meal can be very useful. Fibrous foods like bran, wheat, breads,beans,rice,legumes, brewer's yeast & other cereals can improve the level of good cholesterol.
VEGETABLES AND FRUITS - They have high content of vitamins and anti-oxidants and are considered to rank highest in the food pyramid group for the quality of nutrients they offer. People must consume these foods most compared to all other kinds of food, especially the processed variety. They have useful cleansing properties, do not contain any fats, classic example being the citrus fruits rich in vitamin C. Cucumber which is rich in vitamin E, is among the best known anti-oxidants for fighting the dangerous free-radical elements in the body that cause disease and ailments.
FISH - Fish, with white meat, being low in saturated fat make a good selection for ensuring health.
SELECTED LEAN MEATS - When the skin is removed, chicken and turkey can be safely consumed. Liver, extra lean beaf without fats are also protein rich foods that can constitute a low cholesterol diet.
YOGURT - Balances the digestion of food in the body by regulating the acids in the food. Hence Yogurt is proven to be a healthy food choice for regulating cholesterol levels. It is also safe because it is low in fat content.
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