Potatoes are rich in soluble fibre, which can be consumed by high cholesterol patients without any confusion. Consuming potatoes not only maintains the cholesterol level, but the body also gets many health benefits.
Potatoes are cholesterol-free and have zero saturated fat
Potatoes are devoid of cholesterol or saturated fat. Consuming foods that are low in cholesterol and saturated fat help reduce risk of suffering from heart diseases to some extent.
Potatoes aren't usually thought of as nutritious. However, this all-purpose vegetable has some surprising health and nutrition benefits. Although french fries and potato skins may be heavy in fat and calories, the potato itself is fat free and cholesterol free as well as low in sodium.
1. Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes are not only delicious; it turns out they're a major source of soluble fiber, which is bad cholesterol's worst nightmare. Soluble fiber helps the body excrete cholesterol by binding to bile acids.
Cookies, cakes and doughnuts usually contain butter or shortening, making them high in saturated fat and cholesterol. They also tend to be full of sugar, which can lead to high levels of blood triglycerides, an unhealthy blood fat (lipid) that can be a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
There is no reason to throw carbs out of the window if you have high cholesterol; just be mindful of what you're eating. Whole wheat or whole grain bread is your best bet due to the high amounts of fiber compared with other bread.
You don't have to cut cheese out of your diet, but if you have high cholesterol or blood pressure, use high-fat cheeses sparingly. A 30g portion of cheese provides seven per cent of your daily calories and there can be more salt in a portion of cheddar than in a packet of crisps.
Tomatoes are a significant source of a plant compound called lycopene, which reduces levels of LDL cholesterol. Research shows that the body absorbs more lycopene if the tomatoes are processed or cooked, so drink tomato juice and add tomatoes to your minestrone soup as well.
According to Julie Upton, MS, RD, and member of our Medical Expert Board, the healthiest way to eat your potatoes is to leave the skin on and bake them. "The healthiest way to eat a potato is baking it with the skin on," says Upton. "Baked potatoes add no additional calories like frying or roasting with oil."
The favorite choice for the term "Baked Potatoes" is 1 medium Baked Potato (Peel Eaten) which has no cholesterol.
Bread does not generally contain cholesterol, but varieties that include animal products, such as milk and butter, do contain cholesterol. White bread and other types made from refined grains may raise a person's cholesterol levels.
If you have high cholesterol, pasta doesn't have to be completely off-limits. By choosing healthy noodle alternatives and other heart-healthy ingredients, you can make cholesterol-friendly pasta dishes. Try to steer clear of high-fat cheeses and meats. Instead, opt for low-fat and lean varieties.
Greek yogurt has been connected to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol and triglycerides can harden or block your arteries over time, leading to heart disease or atherosclerosis.
Broccoli
Studies have demonstrated a connection between consuming vegetables and reducing the risk of heart disease. Broccoli in particular is plentiful in soluble fiber, which does wonders for high cholesterol. Other cholesterol-busting vegetables to consider include spinach, Brussels sprouts and collard greens.
Low intake of foods containing healthy fats – healthy fats tend to increase the good (HDL) cholesterol. Foods containing healthy fats include avocado, nuts, seeds, olives, cooking oils made from plants or seeds, and fish.
People with raised cholesterol often wonder if it's OK to eat eggs, as egg yolk is rich in cholesterol. Generally speaking, it should be fine for most people, as the cholesterol in eggs does not have a significant effect on blood cholesterol. It's much more important to limit the amount of saturated fat you eat.
While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppress the body's production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.
Cutting back on saturated fat (found in meat and dairy products) and trans fat (partially hydrogenated oils) can reduce cholesterol by 5% to 10%.
Salmon and tuna have healthy omega-3 fats that can help keep your heart healthy and your triglycerides within a healthy range. 3. Add meat alternatives - Adding beans or tofu to your sandwich can add bulk and protein to your diet - without the excess fat.
The good news is that eating canned tuna will not directly raise your cholesterol levels. And, with many options available, such as tuna melts, tuna on crackers or tuna casseroles, eating this fish can be a tasty part of a heart-healthy diet.
Consuming too many salty snacks and other high-salt foods can contribute to high cholesterol levels. Most types of potato chips, corn chips, ham, and processed meats are high in salt, so keep your intake of these foods to a minimum.