HomeDietHigh Cholesterol Diet: Here's What To Eat And What To Avoid

High Cholesterol Diet: Here’s What To Eat And What To Avoid

High cholesterol is a problem that, if left untreated, can bring several health complications. Therefore, when identifying the condition and medical guidelines, it is necessary to pay attention to food.

Here are some suggestions of what is allowed and what should be avoided to control cholesterol rates:

High Cholesterol And Diet

Cholesterol is a fat essential for forming cell membranes and some hormones in the body. 

It’s worth noting that there are two types of cholesterol — low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is often referred to as “bad cholesterol.” And when it is too high, it can accumulate on the walls of the arteries, causing various problems such as heart attacks or strokes.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is popularly known as “good cholesterol.” And it helps return LDL cholesterol to the liver to be removed from the body through the feces. Therefore, both must be in balance in the body to avoid health complications.

One way to achieve this balance is through diet and choosing food correctly. Some may provide soluble fiber, which helps eliminate excess cholesterol from the body before it enters circulation. 

Others provide polyunsaturated fats, which directly lower LDL. And there are even foods that block cholesterol absorption by the body.

What Foods Can People With High Cholesterol Not Eat?

Those who have high cholesterol, equal to or greater than 190 mg/dL, need to pay attention to what they include in their meals. It is interesting to consult with a nutritionist or nutritionist and find out what is recommended and what is best to reduce consumption.

Who Has High Cholesterol Can Eat Bananas?

Yup. Banana is a very nutritious fruit and offers many benefits to the body . Because it contains fiber, its regular consumption can benefit those with high cholesterol. Fiber helps eliminate excess “bad” cholesterol from the body.

The ideal is to consume about three units per week to obtain the benefits of bananas. As there are several types – runny, apple, silver, and gold, it is possible to vary a lot and guarantee the consumption of the fruit.

Can Someone With High Cholesterol Eat Eggs?

Yup. But it is necessary to consume in moderation and keep an eye on the way of preparation. For a long time, the egg was considered the villain of the diet of those with high cholesterol. It was believed that consumption of a high-cholesterol food could directly increase levels of “bad” cholesterol in the blood.

But today, several scientific studies show that this does not happen. Therefore, if the egg is associated with a healthy diet, it does not raise the “bad” cholesterol in the body. 

Only in large amounts can it have an impact. It has been proven that consuming seven units a week, for example, does not change blood cholesterol levels. However, more than 12 eggs per week already increase LDL levels.

The way of preparation is also meaningful: the ideal is to choose boiled or scrambled eggs. Avoid fritters or omelets stuffed with fatty ingredients. It is also important to avoid associating food with other foods rich in cholesterol in the same meal, as with red meats and sausages.

Which Vegetables And Vegetables Help To Lower Cholesterol?

Vegetables and vegetables can be very beneficial for those with high cholesterol. That’s because most contain soluble fiber.

Because of this, they decrease the amount of HDL cholesterol by carrying fat molecules into the fecal cake and helping to eliminate it through the feces.

Thus, the fibers clean the excess fat and lower the level of absorbed cholesterol. However, in addition to foods rich in fiber, it is necessary to consume plenty of water for this benefit.

Some options include eggplant, cucumber, zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and spinach. But the list is long so that you can vary between those consumed raw or sautéed, for example.

But it is worth reinforcing the need to avoid eating them fried or with industrialized seasonings.

Natural juices are also healthy options for those with high cholesterol. Always include fruits and avoid sweetening with sugar, which is incredibly refined.

Another important tip is to avoid straining the juice after preparation to consume more fibers, as they are present in the bagasse, peels, or pulp.

Also Read: Do Restrictive Diets Work?

RELATED ARTICLES

Latest Articles