The best dairy milk for people with high cholesterol is fat-free or skim milk. Plant-based milks, such as soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk, are cholesterol-free alternatives to cow's milk.
Drinking more milk is associated with lower cholesterol levels and could reduce the risk for coronary artery disease, according to a study published in the International Journal of Obesity.
If you drink cow's milk, most doctors recommend low-fat or nonfat versions. A 1-cup serving of skim milk has around 83 calories, no saturated fat, and only 5 mg of cholesterol.
Almond milk is lower in calories than soy milk and contains more heart healthy monounsaturated fats, which may help with weight loss and weight management and has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol.
Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.
Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is found in such foods as oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Add whey protein. Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy.
Consuming whole-fat dairy products can have the unwanted health effect of increasing your LDL cholesterol levels. They are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Replace them with healthier, low fat options including: 1 percent milk or skim milk.
Oat milk contains oat beta glucans, which can help maintain normal cholesterol levels when you consume 3g a day as part of a balanced diet.
Cholesterol Free
A dairy free product, oat milk contains zero cholesterol, regular consumption may even lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. Excessive cholesterol promotes build up of LDL or low-density lipoproteins in arteries, leading to atherosclerosis, a precursor of cardiovascular disease.
Unlike cow's milk, almond milk contains no cholesterol and no saturated fats, so it won't damage your cardiovascular system. Almond milk is also high in omega-3 fatty acids to help lower your levels of "bad" LDL cholesterol and protect your heart.
Low- or non-fat dairy — Skim or 1% milk contains all the protein, vitamins and minerals that whole milk contains, but it has much less saturated fat. This type of milk is typically more heart-healthy than full-fat milk.
Full-fat yogurt
Research associates increased intake of full-fat fermented dairy products with reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes ( 23 ).
The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system.
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.
Research has shown that refined carbohydrates, like white bread and white pasta, can increase LDL cholesterol. If you can't live without your mac and cheese, opt for a homemade version with whole-wheat pasta and low-fat milk and cheese.
Unsaturated fats, the type found in avocados, are considered healthy types of fat. And avocados have no cholesterol whatsoever. Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can help lower blood cholesterol levels, making avocados a heart-healthy food.
Don't use it as a complete cow's milk substitute for children under five years of age – it's not as nutritious. Avoid it if you're gluten intolerant – it's not gluten-free. Choose a product that's calcium-fortified.
Greek yogurt has been connected to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.
Cheese is a great source of protein and calcium but is often high in saturated fat and salt. This means eating too much could lead to high cholesterol and high blood pressure, increasing your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.
When people have high cholesterol their LDL (bad) is high and their HDL (good) is low. Eating healthy, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water will help to bring down cholesterol levels within 2-3 weeks.