How to Avoid High Cholesterol Foods

Cholesterol is a fat which is found in the human bloodstream. Our bodies make cholesterol in the liver. We also get cholesterol from the foods that we eat. We need a certain amount of cholesterol in our bodies in order to survive, but too much of it can interfere with blood flow and lead to many different health problems.

Instructions

1. Limit the amount of high cholesterol foods you consume. Foods that are high in cholesterol include eggs, organ meats such as liver, brains, heart and kidneys, and desserts with a high fat content.

2. Broil or bake your foods instead of frying. Frying foods in oils raises the cholesterol count.

3. Trim all visible fat from your meat before cooking it. It is better to trim the fat before cooking, rather than after. If you leave the fat on the meat until after it is cooked, the cholesterol from the fat coats and soaks into the meat while cooking. Remove the skin from chicken and turkey. Again, removing before cooking is healthiest.

4. Substitute egg whites in recipes when whole eggs are called for. The cholesterol in eggs is found in the yolk.

5. Choose fat free dairy products, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean cuts of meat to limit the amount of cholesterol you consume.

6. Help your body to keep your cholesterol levels low by eating a diet high in soluble fiber. Good sources of soluble fiber include oats, oranges, apples, pears and carrots.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis. Follow your doctors recommendations for lowering your cholesterol levels. If he prescribes medications for high cholesterol, be sure to take the medication as prescribed.