Heart disease is the number one killer of adults worldwide. It is, however, preventable and treatable with changes in lifestyle and diet, reports MayoClinic.com. Choosing low-fat and low-cholesterol foods can control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, keep weight in check and make the heart healthy.
Breads, Cereals, Rice and Pasta
Ohio State University Medical Center recommends limiting commercially prepared baked goods to limit fat intake. Low-fat, low-cholesterol choices include whole grain breads, cereals, bagels and saltine crackers. Additional items include whole wheat pasta and noodles, brown rice, whole wheat tortillas, air-popped popcorn, oatmeal, couscous and millet.
Fruits and Vegetables
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) says any fresh, canned, dried or frozen fruit without added sugar and fresh, canned, frozen vegetables without cheese or cream sauce are good choices on a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
Dairy
All dairy choices should be skim or low-fat, according to the OSU Medical Center. When shopping for low-fat, low-cholesterol dairy foods, the NHBLI suggests fat free or 1 percent fat milk, cheese with 3 grams of fat or less per serving, and low-fat or nonfat yogurt.
Meat, Poultry, Fish, Eggs, Dry Beans and Nuts
The University of Massachusetts Medical School recommends the following low-fat, low-cholesterol meats: lean beef; pork and lamb that is loin, round and select grade; poultry without skin; fish and shellfish without butter; lean ham; lean frankfurters and egg whites. NHLBI says dry beans and peas are good choices on a low-fat,
low-cholesterol diet, along with reduced fat peanut butter.
Sweets and Snacks
NHLBI recommends animal crackers, low-fat cookies, fig bars, ginger snaps, vanilla wafers, lemon wafers, angel food cake, low-fat frozen yogurt and ice cream, sorbet, gelatin, low-fat pudding, baked tortilla chips and pretzels as low-fat, low-cholesterol sweets and snack choices.
Fats and Oils
Fats and oils for a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet include olive oil, canola oil, peanut oil, soybean oil, tub margarine, and low-fat and fat-free salad dressing.
Miscellaneous Foods
NHLBI offers additional low-fat, low-cholesterol food choices that include all herbs and spices, non-stick cooking spray, reduced-fat and non-fat sour cream, reduced fat and non-fat mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, ginger, garlic, ketchup, vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice, jelly, salsa, and spaghetti sauce.
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