Cholesterol is fatty-like waxy substance that is formed in our body. Liver is the organ responsible for development of cholesterol in the body. This substance is important for keeping our blood vessels healthy, synthesis of vitamin D and some hormones. Still, high levels of cholesterol can endanger your health and lead to cardiovascular and heart diseases. As we eat food rich in saturated fat (such as meat and dairy products), cholesterol level in our body increases. This is why it is important to keep an eye on what food you eat and maintain a healthy diet.
Low Saturated Fat Diet
Saturated fats, which can be found in some nourishment, are responsible for increasing cholesterol levels in the blood. Foods rich in saturated fat are: dairy products, meat, lard, some vegetable oils such as coconut oil, palm oil, etc. It would be a good idea to keep away from this food if you or someone in your family suffers from high cholesterol levels in your blood.
Low Total Fat Diet
Food that is high in total fat has a high level of saturated fats. This is why you should keep your intake of food high in fat as low as possible. Furthermore, try to substitute foods that are high in saturated fats for foods that are high in polyunsaturated and unsaturated fats. For instance, you can substitute palm oil and coconut oil with olive oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil and canola oil.
Low Cholesterol Diet
If you are on a cholesterol lowering diet, you should stay away from animal products as much as you can, since animal products are rich in saturated fats. You should also substitute vegetable oils with saturated fats for oils rich in unsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
Diet High in Starch and Fiber
You should include fiber and starch in your cholesterol lowering diet. Starch and fibers rich foods are: grains, some kinds of beans, different kinds of peas, vegetables, fruits and cereals. These foods are also rich in such nutrients as minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, and hence, can have a great impact on your overall health.
Conducting a low cholesterol diet can benefit your overall health. It can help you lose some weight, since this diet contains foods that are low in calories and fat. If you are experiencing weight problems, that can seriously endanger your health and lead to development of diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary diseases and even cancer. It also raises the risk high cholesterol level in the blood. One way to fight with being overweight is to maintain low cholesterol levels and work out regularly.