What are some good foods for someone with High Cholesterol?

Question

Also has high blood pressure.

Answer 1

Cholesterol lowering foods - this may sound as an oxymoron! However, studies prove that some foods can assist in the reduction of cholesterol and could be incorporated into your new diet plan.
Cholesterol Lowering Margarine
Recently, cholesterol lowering margarines have been introduced to the market. Benecol® is one of the products that has been confirmed to lower cholesterol on an average of 10% if used as recommended. In addition, this margarine does not affect your HDL, or "good" cholesterol. Other products include Take Control® margarine and salad dressings that are made from plant sterols, which are extracted from soybeans. These sterols trick your intestine into thinking they are cholesterol and when it tries to absorb them, it is not able to, therefore blocking cholesterol.
Soy Protein
Cholesterol lowering quality of soy protein was evidenced when FDA approved (see FDA talk paper) the health claim for its effects on risk of heart disease. To achieve intended result, you have to consume at least four servings of 6.25 grams of soy protein totaling daily intake to 25 grams per day. Many food manufacturers have since introduced soy beverages and energy bars containing up to 10 to 20 grams of soy protein. People with high cholesterol - levels of 260-300, soy protein has shown to reduce cholesterol by 15-25%.
Nuts
Nuts such as almonds and walnuts that have high amount of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated, also help lowering cholesterol. Researchers at the Loma Linda University found that a diet containing pecans (click here for Abstract) not only lowered total and LDL--or "bad" cholesterol significantly but also helped to maintain desirable levels of HDL--or "good"--cholesterol. Another study conducted by the same University found that Mediterranean style diet that included walnuts (click here for Abstract) lowered cholesterol.
Oats and Barley
In lowering cholesterol, oats and barley have played a critical role. These foods have a soluble fiber known as Beta Glucan, which is the key, in how they lower the cholesterol. To gain the intended cholesterol lowering effect, you have to consume anywhere between two and four cups of dry oat or barley cereal each day.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables such as apples, citrus fruit, berries, carrots, apricots, cabbage, sweet potatoes are high in soluble fiber and pectin both shown to be helpful in lowering cholesterol. At least five servings a day is recommended to benefit the full effect.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed provides alpha-linolenic acid a poly-unsaturated fat which has been shown to lower cholesterol while providing needed soluble fiber.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is one of the mono-saturated fats and studies have shown that it lowers blood cholesterol. Extra virgin olive oil is suggested to be better than other varieties.
Fish
According to researchers, fish containing a omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids make the blood more slippery and less likely to clot in addition to lowering blood cholesterol.
Cautions:
Instead of frying foods, bake, roast, or grill. Cut back on egg yolks and if you drink 2% milk change to 1% and if possible, skim milk

Answer 2

High fiber foods (likes oats, bran, whole grains), have a modest impact in lowering cholesterol by binding bile acids (made from cholesterol) in your intestinal tract. This is always a good option to incorporate into your diet, for more reasons than just cholesterol. The most effective natural remedy is niacin (a B vitamin), but it is not without side effects. Niacin can cause people to have facial flushing (you get very red and feel warm), some people experience this more than others and you may be able to decrease this by taking it with food and an NSAID (aspirin or ibuprofen). The best niacin products are available by prescription only, I suggest talking to your doctor about this. It is also safe to take niacin with ezetimibe (but your doctor should know). There are other natural products that claim to lower cholesterol like garlic, but most of these methods have very little evidence to support their use and have their own set of side effects as well. I am in my sixth and final year of pharmacy school, I hope that you find this information useful. PS ezitemibe has a lower incidence of muscle pain than the statins, you should give it a shot. Good luck.

Answer 3

Don't worry about cholesterol at all.


Read these articles on the research to date

The Cholesterol Theory of Coronary heart Disease is the greatest SHAM in the history of medicine


www.ravnskov.nu/cholesterol.htm

www.thegreatcholesterolcon.com


www.lowcarbmuscle.com


search for " Cordain's LDL article" VERY IMPORTANT ARTICLE!


Anthony Colpo is a HERO

Answer 4

Stay away from salt if you have high blood pressure. See your doc if it's at a dangerous level.
Oatmeal, whole grain cereals, low-fat whole grain bread, chicken, lots of vegetables. Use Take Control or Benecol spread for your bread. Exercise.

Answer 5

Grains, especially oats are meant to be good. Also vegetables.

Answer 6

The best would be fruits & vegtables...