Foods Which Lower Cholesterol

What is cholesterol? Many people diagnosed with high cholesterol are not sure what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver and found in certain foods like dairy products, eggs and meat. It is a substance belonging to the class of body chemicals called steroids. Cholesterol is important and in proper amounts is needed by almost every tissue in your body. It is needed for the production of hormones and vitamin D and for the digestion of fats.

Steps should be taken to reduce your cholesterol once you realize you have a problem. High cholesterol can put your at risk for potential serious health issues like heart disease. There are several alternatives you can choose to lower your cholesterol such as making lifestyle changes and changes to your diet.

To lower your cholesterol you should start with cutting back on the total amount of fat that you consume especially saturated and trans fats. Eat less of the foods that provide cholesterol, but you should not eliminate them from your diet. Your total cholesterol will increase by saturated fats found in fatty meat, full-fat dairy products and certain oils. Trans fats will raise your low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad" cholesterol and lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good" cholesterol. Trans fats found in some margarines, cookies, cakes and other foods bought in the store will increase the level of your cholesterol.

Foods such as fatty fish, example salmon, trout and halibut, walnut, oatmeal and oat bran can help to improve cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that a diet with these types of foods and some cholesterol-lowering medication reduces LDL levels. Avoid foods such as butter, ice cream and fatty meats as they will raise your cholesterol.

Eating these foods that help in lowering cholesterol is not enough however. Individuals should eat a wide selection of foods in moderation, plus make some lifestyle changes to decrease cholesterol levels. Regular activity not only lowers cholesterol but also helps you to lose weight, lower your triglycerides and raise your HDL ('good') cholesterol. Physical activity or exercising for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week are simple lifestyle changes that will reduce your cholesterol and raise your HDL level. Your chances of other health issues like diabetes are increased when you have excess weight.

Controlling stress will control your cholesterol levels, studies have shown that prolong stress will increase cholesterol levels and it is easy to eat more comfort foods high in bad cholesterol when you are stressed.

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