What can help lower cholesterol?
To reduce cholesterol levels use a combination of diet and exercise. The goal is to have LDL stay low or go down and HDL to stay high or go up. Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy, whole grains and healthier unsaturated fats from olive or canola oils. These foods contain little or no cholesterol and are lower in saturated fat. So the next time you see a package of dried fruit or nuts with a label announcing “Cholesterol Free” don’t be that impressed; these foods are naturally free of cholesterol. Research supports that soluble fiber can also help lower LDL cholesterol. Good sources include fruits, some root vegetables, oats, and barley. There is also new research to support that plant based materials called sterols may help lower cholesterol when consumed as part of a low cholesterol diet. Plant sterols are found in some vegetable oils, avocados, and are also added to some spreads and yogurt products.
