Coronary artery disease is caused by atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. These plaques are made up of cholesterol deposits. Thirteen million people have coronary artery disease. Heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the United States, is influenced by excess cholesterol. Sixteen percent of the adult population in the United States has high cholesterol according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dietary changes can counter high cholesterol.
Low Fat Diet
It is necessary to limit saturated fats and trans fats in order to lower cholesterol. Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats should replace trans fats and saturated fats. According to MayoClinic.com saturated fats should make up less than 7 percent of the daily calories. Eliminating trans fat calories or keeping them below 1 percent of calories consumed is recommended by MayoClinic.com. By removing skin from poultry, eating less red meat and trimming fat off meat before cooking, patients can reduce their saturated fat intake. Using cholesterol lowering margarines can also help counter cholesterol as can using olive oil and canola oil for cooking.
Vegetarian Diet
Choosing a vegetarian diet can counter cholesterol. Green leafy vegetables are excellent for countering cholesterol and they are also full of folic acid and B vitamins. MayoClinic.com recommends eating more plant-based foods to lower cholesterol. Avoid canned vegetables because of their excessive salt content and choose fresh or frozen vegetables. Antioxidants in fruit and can help lower cholesterol and protect the heart as well. Veggie burgers are an excellent substitute for meat burgers and can help lower cholesterol. Use legumes, beans, peas and lentils to replace meat protein and watch cholesterol levels decrease.
Low Protein Diet
Modifying protein consumption can help keep cholesterol low. Skim milk or low fat milk are appropriate choices. Counter high cholesterol by eating no fat diary products such as low fat cheese. Eating low or nonfat yogurt can also help. Omega-3 oils will lower cholesterol and they can be obtained by eating fish two to three times a week. Omega-3 oils are heart protective as well.
Salmon are high in omega-3 oils. Flaxseed sprinkled on cereal or yogurt will also provide omega-3 oils to the diet. Using just egg whites instead of whole eggs can significantly lower cholesterol as the yolk contains cholesterol. Lean meat cuts have less saturated fat and are better choices when fighting cholesterol.
References
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education.com: Coronary Artery Disease.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: High Serum Total Cholesterol -- An Indicator for Monitoring Cholesterol Lowering Efforts: U.S. Adults, 2005--2006. Susan E. Schober & et.al. December 2007
- MayoClinic: Heart Healthy Diet: 8 steps to prevent heart disease
