Some of the foods you eat can increase your risk of having a heart attack. Excess cholesterol running through your arteries can stick to your artery walls and make blood flow difficult if your arteries become clogged from a buildup of cholesterol. You may be able to avoid such a buildup by cutting down on the amount of cholesterol you consume and by following an anti-cholesterol diet.
Significance
Although the body needs cholesterol and makes cholesterol to meet its needs, the body sometimes gets additional cholesterol from food. Knowing which foods are high in cholesterol and avoiding these foods is essential if you want to avoid risking an elevation in your cholesterol level. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's National Cholesterol Education Program, "High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease."
Function
An anti-cholesterol diet should be adhered to if you have a cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher. You should also watch your cholesterol intake if you smoke, are on medication for blood pressure or have a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or more, if your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level is under 40 mg/dL, if someone in your family has, or had, heart disease, if you are a female past the age of 55 or if you are a male past the age of 45. An anti-cholesterol diet can lower your possibility of developing heart disease. It can also lessen your chances of having a heart attack.
Animal Foods
Limit your consumption of meat and foods that come from animals--all animal foods contain cholesterol. If you want to include meat in your diet, trim the fat off of any meat you eat and choose lean meats. Cook meats in a way that will eliminate most of the fat. Boil, bake or poach your meat. Do not use butter, lard or chicken fat. Use margarine and plant oils instead.
Grains
Make whole grains part of your anti-cholesterol diet if you want to lower your cholesterol. Whole grains contain a significant amount of fiber, and it's the fiber in whole grains that has a positive effect on your blood cholesterol. Consume whole grain foods such as brown rice, oatmeal, barley and cornmeal.
Produce
Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your anti-cholesterol diet. Vegetables and fruits contain fiber. Choose vegetables such as broccoli, Romaine lettuce, corn, beans and asparagus. Consume fruits such as apples, berries, pears and pineapple.
References
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol: What You Need To Know
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Your Guide To A Healthy Heart
- Mississippi State Department of Health: Cholesterol
- My Pyramid: Why Is It Important to Make Lean or Low-Fat Choices from the Meat and Beans Group?
- My Pyramid: Why Is It Important to Eat Grains, Especially Whole Grains?
