LDL cholesterol diets focus on improving cholesterol levels by reducing saturated and trans fat intake. These unhealthy fats raise low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, known as the "bad" cholesterol, in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of clogged arteries and heart disease. HDL, or high-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol, clears excess cholesterol from the arteries. A diet that lowers LDL also helps you maintain a healthy weight. Too much weight contributes to harmful cholesterol levels and is a risk factor in heart disease.
TLC Diet
The therapeutic lifestyle changes, or TLC, diet recommends the leanest of meats, skinless poultry and fish. Eat no more than 5 oz. a day of meat, poultry and fish. Bake, grill or broil meats, poultry and fish to avoid frying. You can substitute meat dishes with dry peas or beans, which contain protein and have low-fat content. Consume no more than two egg yolks a week or choose egg whites or egg substitutes. Select 1 percent, low-fat milk or skim milk. Choose low-fat yogurt, low-fat cheese and other low-fat dairy products over whole-milk items. The diet includes two to four servings of fruit, three to five servings of vegetables and six to 11 servings of grains a day. Grains include bread, pasta, cereal and rice.
Heart-Healthy Diet
The heart-healthy diet from MayoClinic.com also promotes a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, which contain more fiber and nutrients than refined grains. Lean meat, poultry without skin, fish and low-fat dairy products are included as protein sources. The diet recommends replacing saturated fats with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats as often as possible. These unsaturated fats help reduce LDL cholesterol and raise healthy HDL. Monounsaturated fats include olive and canola oils, which can be used in place of butter for preparing foods. Polyunsaturated fats come from nuts and seeds. Avoid trans fats found in many processed foods and fried foods in restaurants. Trans fats raise LDL and lower HDL.
Mediterranean Diet
The popular Mediterranean diet, named for the area where people practice it, may reduce the risk of heart disease, according to MayoClinic.com. The foundation of the diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts, legumes and seeds. Olive oil often replaces saturated fat. Fish and seafood are included at least twice a week. Poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt are eaten in moderate portions. Meats and sweets are eaten less often.
Snacks and Desserts
Diets to lower cholesterol usually recommend eating more fruit, nuts, celery or carrot sticks and low-fat yogurt for snacks as much as possible. You can enjoy sweets now and then. The TLC diet suggests angel food cake topped with fresh fruit slices; fat-free or low-fat brownies, cakes, cookies and fruit bars; gelatin desserts and graham crackers.
