Healthy Cholesterol Diets for People with High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a natural substance in our blood that helps support healthy cell membranes, hormone levels and more. However, if there is too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up to form a blockage called plaque that narrows your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke. 1. Limit Saturated Fat Saturated fat is a type of dietary fat that comes from animal products, such as red meat and dairy desserts, and tropical oils, such as palm oil. This type of fat is unhealthy for you because it can raise your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, which increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. Limit saturated fats to less than 20 percent of your total calories, and try to replace them with healthier alternatives. Choose low-fat mayonnaise, fat-free salad dressings and nonfat gravy. Avoid foods with a high fat content, including butter, stick margarine, shortening, lard and palm and coconut oils. Read ingredient labels carefully to know the a...