Four Changes To Your Diet That Can Lower Your Cholesterol

Millions of Americans live with heart disease. If being heart healthy is the goal, you need to have healthy cholesterol levels. Although your body needs cholesterol to make hormones and substances that help you digest foods, having high levels of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. By simply adjusting to a healthier diet, you can drastically lower your chances of high cholesterol.

Eat more fiber

Try eating more foods that have oats, oat bran, barley, fruits and root vegetables, or whole-grain cereals. These foods are high in soluble fiber, which can bind to bile (which is made up of cholesterol) and remove it.

Eat less animal fats

Try to skip out on processed and fatty red meats such as salami, pepperoni, ribs and fatty cuts of beef. Also, try to avoid full-fat dairy products like butter, whole milk, cheese or cream. These foods contain more saturated fats, and are associated with plaque buildup and high blood cholesterol.

Eat more vegetables

Substitute animal protein for more plant-based proteins like tofu, quinoa, beans or lentils. You can add these into your meals to decrease your saturated fat intake while increasing your fiber intake.

Eat healthier carbs

Carbohydrates that are higher in fiber will give you the energy you need for the day, while also making you feel full. This includes fruit, lentils, oatmeal or whole grain starches. Having a low-carb diet can also reduce cardiovascular problems, as well as help with weight loss.

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