Millions of Americans have high cholesterol. In 2010, more than 35 million adults in the United States had cholesterol levels high enough to put them at significant risk for heart disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. A diet high in fat and dietary cholesterol is the principal reason for elevated blood cholesterol. A low-cholesterol diet menu can reduce the amount of cholesterol in your blood.
Cholesterol
Animals produce cholesterol in their liver. Animal products such as meat, eggs and dairy contain cholesterol. Foods made strictly from plants do not contribute any significant dietary cholesterol. Humans also produce cholesterol in their liver. You do not have to consume any cholesterol for your body to function properly -- your liver would make all your body needs.
Breakfast
A low-cholesterol breakfast can consist of a piece of fruit, a cup of skim milk and a low-fat muffin topped with a teaspoon of margarine containing sterols. Butter is very high in cholesterol. Some food manufacturers are adding plant sterols to tub margarine. Plant sterols can reduce blood cholesterol by more than 10 percent, according to MayoClinic.com. Another day, you may choose to have a half-cup of egg substitute with mixed vegetables, a slice of whole-wheat toast, a slice of soy cheese and a cup of skim milk.
Lunch
Lunch may include 3 ounces of tuna between 2 slices of whole-wheat bread and topped with a tomato slice and piece of lettuce. Add a few carrot slices and a cup of low-fat yogurt for a nutritious, low-cholesterol lunch. Some yogurt drinks also contain plant sterols. Another lunch might consist of a cup of black bean chili, a tossed salad with low-fat or fat-free dressing and a piece of fruit. Some fruit like bananas actually lower cholesterol levels and provide protection for your heart.
Dinner
Grilled salmon is part of a low-cholesterol dinner. Salmon and other cold-water fish, like mackerel and albacore tuna, have healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial to your blood cholesterol levels. Add a cup of healthy brown rice and one cup of steamed broccoli for a well-rounded, low-cholesterol meal. You could eat 2 chicken fajitas topped with mock sour cream on a different evening, and add a cup of frozen corn.
Snacks
You can indulge in snacks on a low-cholesterol diet. The University of Iowa's Virtual Hospital lists several recipes that are delicious and low in cholesterol. The cinnamon apple coffee cake and banana nut bread use egg white or egg substitute instead of whole eggs, which are high in cholesterol. These recipes also contain nuts that lower blood cholesterol. Enjoy a low-cholesterol diet full of taste and nutrition.
