Diet controlled hyperlipidemia refers to eating foods that control cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Diet, combined with exercise and other lifestyle interventions, can cut the chances of cardiovascular disease from high levels of circulating fats, or lipids, in the bloodstream. According to the American Heart Association, types of hyperlipidemia include high triglycerides, or hypertriglyceridemia, and hypercholesterolemia, which is high cholesterol in the blood. Another term for hyperlipidemia is hyperlipoproteinemia.
Oat and Rice Bran
Scientific studies support recommendations to increase dietary soluble fiber as part of hyperlipidemia treatment. Rice bran contains minimal soluble fiber, but rice bran oil has a hypolipidemic effect. A study published in July 1998 in the "Journal of Nutrition" noted the effects of full-fat rice bran and oat bran among non-obese, nonsmoking adults with elevated lipid levels. After six weeks, there was a 78 percent improvement in the ratios of good and bad cholesterol levels in study participants. The authors concluded rice and oat bran should be part of a diet to control hyperlipidemia.
Nuts
Unsalted walnuts, almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, pecans and pistachios are among the top five foods that can lower cholesterol and control hyperlipidemia, according MayoClinic.com. To keep your cholesterol at a healthy level and avoid weight gain, limit the amount of nuts to 1.5 oz. a day or 42.5 g. Substitute nuts in a salad in lieu of cheese, meat and croutons; avoid sugar-coated nuts.
Dietary Fats
Consuming foods high in cholesterol, saturated and trans-fats can raise lipid levels in the blood. Meat, lard, cream, butter, whole milk and ice cream contain high levels of saturated fat. Oils that you should limit include palm kernel oil and coconut oil. Snacks, fried foods, donuts, cookies and margarine may contain trans-fat. Controlling hyperlipidemia with diet involves checking food labels, limiting saturated fats from common sources and substituting them with healthy oils, wheat and whole grains, fish, lean meats, and fruits or nuts for snacking.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables keep blood vessels healthy, provide satiety, and are high in fiber to help control hyperlipidemia. Nutrients in fruits and vegetables can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, with the exception of potatoes, beans and corn that are high in carbohydrate content. Researchers from Nutrition, Food & Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, published findings in the April 2011 issue of "The FASEB Journal," showing that women who consumed 75 g per day of dried apples lowered their total cholesterol by 14 percent and reduced their LDL levels by 23 percent after one year. The combination of fiber and micronutrients in fruits and vegetables can help control hyperlipidemia and risk of cardiovascular and other diseases. The USDA recommends filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables at mealtime.
References
- "Journal of Nutrition" ; Full-fat Rice Bran and Oat Bran Similarly Reduce Hypercholesterolemia in Humans; Gerhardt AL, Gallo NB.; July,1998
- American Heart Association: Hyperlipidemia
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Eating a Diet Low in Saturated Fat, Trans Fat, and Cholesterol
- "The FASEB Journal"; Daily apple consumption promotes cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women; Sheau C Chai, et al.; April 2011
- USDA: Dietary Guidelines for Americans
