Low Cholesterol Diet

Introduction: Low Cholesterol Diet

There are many versions of a low cholesterol diet. Low cholesterol diets were developed for people who have or at risk for cardiovascular disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), or stroke. A low cholesterol diet focuses on minimizing the intake of foods high in unhealthy fats, such as saturated and trans fats, which can lead to high cholesterol levels and increase the risk for a vascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. Credible versions of a low cholesterol diets include complete plans for healthy balanced eating that incorporates other factors important to lowering cholesterol and the risk of disease, such as increasing exercise and lowering stress. When a low cholesterol diet is based on these principals and promotes life-long, balanced, healthy eating habits, it can also be of benefit to people who are looking to lose and/or maintain a healthy weight. A credible low cholesterol diet also limits excessive sodium, highly processed carbohydrates, and stresses eating a balanced diet of whole-grain foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products.

Although cholesterol is found in hydrogenated fats and animal fats, credible low cholesterol diets do not eliminate most or all fats from the diet. Some fat in the diet is necessary for proper functioning of the body. Fats supply energy and essential fatty acids and promote the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Good low cholesterol diets should encourage the use of healthy, unsaturated fats, such as those from olive oil and Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and flax seed. Current research has found that a deficiency in essential fatty acids can actually raise cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Studies have also suggested that fatty fish, walnuts, oatmeal, and oat bran, and foods fortified with plant sterols or stanols can help control cholesterol. Credible low cholesterol diets should also minimize or eliminate bad, unhealthy fats, such as trans fats, cholesterol, and saturated fats, found in animal meats and products and tropical oils. This helps to decrease the risk for a vascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, metabolic syndrome, and some forms of cancer. All diets have the potential to be harmful for some people, so consultation with a health care provider before starting a diet plan and exercise program is recommended.

Low Cholesterol Diet: Similar Diets

Other diets similar to Low Cholesterol Diet include:

Heart Healthy Diet
Cardiovascular Diet
Heart Smart Diet

Conditions Associated with Low Cholesterol Diet

Conditions associated with Low Cholesterol Diet include:

Cardiovascular disease
Post-heart attack
Heart failure
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
Insulin resistance
Metabolic syndrome
Weight gain
Obesity
Overweight
Possible prevention of diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, and stroke

Foods Excluded Or Restricted From Low Cholesterol Diet

The following foods may be restricted or excluded from Low Cholesterol Diet:

Canned and packaged foods, unless marked low/no saturated fats, cholesterol, and trans fats
Gravies
Sauces
Snack foods
Chips
Crackers
Cake
Pie
Meats high in saturated fat/cholesterol
Bacon
Brisket
Hot dogs
Sausage
Duck
Egg yolks
Butter
Lard
Shortening
Trans fats
Hydrogenated vegetable oil
Tropical oils
Coconut oil
Palm oil
Cream
Whole milk dairy products
Cheese
Ice cream
Foods made with processed carbohydrates that are not 100% whole wheat or grain
White flours
White breads
Sugary cereals
Cereals made for processed grains
Pop/soda that contains sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup
Sugar
Baked goods
Fried foods
Fast foods
Liver
Organ meats
Salt

Foods Focused On For Low Cholesterol Diet

The following foods may be focused on as part of Low Cholesterol Diet:

Fresh fruits
Fresh vegetables
Lean and trimmed meats, not fried or sautéed
Skinless chicken
Lean cuts of beef
Fresh fish
Unsaturated vegetable oils
Canola oil
Olive oil
Corn oil
Cottonseed oil
Peanut oil
Tofu
Flax seed
Beans
Oatmeal
Oat bran
Walnuts
Low-fat dairy products
Skim milk
Low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese and other cheeses
Low-fat or fat-free yogurt
Salt-free seasonings
100% whole wheat or whole grain carbohydrates
100% whole wheat or whole grain breads
100% whole wheat pasta
100% whole wheat or whole grain cereals
Brown rice

Low Cholesterol Diet: Potential Risks Or Complications

The following are potential risks or complications of the diet (Low Cholesterol Diet):

Deficiency of essential fatty acids can raise cholesterol and the risk of heart disease
An unbalanced low-fat diet that is too restrictive in calories may result in:
Muscle weakness
Ketoacidosis - a condition in which a severe restriction of calories or carbohydrates leads to dangerously high levels of acids called ketones that build up in the blood and can poison the body.
Nutritional deficiencies
Osteoporosis
Weight loss diets not recommended for pregnant or nursing women