Should your doctor decide that it is time to test your cholesterol, he or she will send you for a blood test, and then wait for the results of the cholesterol test to be reported. Plan to spend a little discussing these numbers with your doctor, asking about how you can improve them if that is in fact needed, and find out what your risk is for heart disease.
If your cholesterol numbers are not in the optimal range, your doctor may advise that you take prescription drugs to get your cholesterol levels in a better range as soon as possible. If you do not do this it could lead to strokes, so consider carefully the medical advice you are given.
Now, if your numbers are acceptable, your doctor may just encourage you to improve your diet, switching to one that is low cholesterol, and does not contain many high cholesterol foods on a regular basis.
Once you become of the foods that are good and bad for you, then switching to low cholesterol foods should not be a problem, especially since you know that once you have changed, your heart health is going to be improving, and your risk of heart problems will be decreasing.
This is exactly what you need, a healthy heart. But along with the low cholesterol diet, you should also be exercising, may be every other day going for a brisk 30 minute walk, as this will help your fitness level, and your general health.
So, if you are to eat foods low in cholesterol , what does that mean you will be eating, and what foods should you avoid? It is good to avoid an excess of foods from animals, so things like red meats should be consumed in moderation, with only the leanest cuts of meat being considered. Egg yolks are also high in cholesterol, but the egg whites are good for you, so think about switching to egg white products rather than whole eggs.
Butter is not recommended, as it is an animal product, so if you still need to cook in oil, think about using olive oil, especially virgin olive oil. This is less processed than light olive oil which is so called just because it is lighter in color, not lighter in calories.
Oat bran and oatmeal is good for you to eat, and is a great way to start your day. It gives your body soluble fibre, which is also found in apples, pears and barley.
Legumes, such as dried peas, dried beans and lentils are good for you, because not only do they provide you with soluble fibre, but they also contain plant protein, which is good for the growth of muscles and tendons, as well as good for healthy blood, bones, hair and internal organs too.
There are obviously many more foods that could be mentioned for a diet low in cholesterol, but I am running out of space here. What is important is to start lowering your cholesterol now, so that you are not at risk of heart attacks or strokes. But of course, the decision is yours, lower your cholesterol now, or have the threat of heart attacks and strokes in your future.
Tags: calories, cholesterol, high cholesterol foods, low cholesterol foods, low fat diets, recipes
