The Ohio State University Medical Center's Department of Nutrition Services recommends a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet to decrease and control blood-cholesterol levels and to lower and control blood pressure. Fat is a major source of energy for your body, but too much fat in your diet is harmful to your circulatory system, as it increases blood-cholesterol levels, which are linked to strokes and heart attacks.
Identification
A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet plan limits the consumption of foods that are high in fat and cholesterol (particularly animal foods, many deep-fried foods and non-dairy whipped toppings). The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends consuming less than 200 mg of cholesterol per day for people with high cholesterol levels and diabetes and less than 300 mg of cholesterol a day for those who do not have these problems. The department recommends that women ages 19 through 30 not have more than 6 tsp. of these food items per day. Girls ages 9 through 18 and women older than 30 should have no more than 5 tsp. a day. It recommends no more than 7 tsp. per day for men ages 19 through 30. No more than 6 tsp. are recommended for those older than 30 and between ages 14 and 18. Children ages 2 and 3 should have no more than 3 tsp. of fatty foods per day. Those ages 4 through 8 should have no more than 4 tsp.
Features
A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet plan calls for the consumption of many fresh fruits and vegetables. It can also feature skim and low-fat dairy products (such as milk, yogurt and cheese). Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet plans substitute whole-grain foods for white flour (including whole-grain pasta, bread and cereals). This type of diet may also include lean meats, which are low in fat and cholesterol.
Benefits
Low-fat, low-cholesterol diet plans help those who eat them to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The American Heart Association reports that low-fat, low-cholesterol diets help protect people from heart attacks and strokes.
Considerations
Cooking methods for preparing low-fat, low-cholesterol diet meals include broiling, baking or boiling rather than sauteing or frying. It is best to use corn, olive, canola, peanut, soybean, safflower or sunflower oils.
Warning
People on a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet plan should not eliminate fat. These diet plans can include small amounts of healthy-fat foods, including omega 3 fatty acids that are found in fish and fish oils (which also help maintain good cholesterol levels), avocados and some nuts.
