High cholesterol diet

High cholesterol diet has become the normal diet of most people across the globe. Adults and children alike are adopting this type of diet, especially with the popularity of fast food chains and the steadily increasing cost of organic and healthy foods. But people conforming to a diet plan that is high in cholesterol are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

High cholesterol can lead to system failures like stroke and heart attacks, including heart diseases. A high cholesterol diet encourages plaque to accumulate in the arteries and eventually obstruct the flow of blood. To avoid the dreadful consequences of high cholesterol diet, a person must learn to incorporate foods both rich in cholesterol and those that are not in his or her regular diet.

What does high cholesterol diet mean?

A high cholesterol diet refers to a diet plan that is rich in cholesterol. In general, cholesterol is not that bad at all. This waxy substance is needed by the body to excrete water easily and secrete bile salts that help in digesting fats. Cholesterol is also needed in the production of hormones and vitamin D. It also plays a vital role in the development and defense mechanism of cell membranes. Cholesterol is naturally excreted by the liver and is also found in most foods which is why the body will only need small amounts of cholesterol from food in order to meet such needs. A diet rich in cholesterol puts one at risk of developing serious health problems like cardiovascular diseases.

What are the foods that contain high amounts of cholesterol?

A high cholesterol diet consists of any or a combination of the following foods.

• Fatty meats

Some meats have high fat content and these cannot be totally eliminated in one’s diet. The key here is to consume meat in moderation and watch what goes with it because in most cases, meats are also served with other dishes that also have high cholesterol content.

• Egg yolks

Egg yolks contain high levels of cholesterol, whether it came from quails, chickens, geese, ducks or turkeys.

• Organ meats

They are excellent sources of protein and iron but they contain high amounts of cholesterol and people with high cholesterol must completely avoid them.

• Dairy products

Milk does something good for the body but they are known to have high levels of cholesterol too.

• Chicken skin

Chicken is considered an alternative for red meat but a tempting problem is lurking in chicken skin which is high in cholesterol.

• Desserts

There is no better way to finish a meal than with a delectable dessert. Unfortunately, most have extremely high cholesterol content as well as sugar.

• Saturated fats

They are the key components of junk foods which give them a greasy or oily texture.

How does cooking contribute to creating a high cholesterol diet?

Some cooking methods are conducive to making high cholesterol diet due to the different components included in the cooking process. Example of this is deep frying which makes the dishes high in cholesterol regardless how healthy the ingredients are. Steaming or poaching is the finest way to prepare foods that are low in cholesterol.

Alternative to high cholesterol diet

Instead of doing away with high cholesterol diet in short bursts, it is much better to have a comprehensive approach that is conducive to a healthy eating routine. There are plenty of ways to prepare great tasting foods that are low in cholesterol, and these involves knowing the alternatives for high cholesterol foods.

• Garlic

Aside from its antibacterial properties, garlic helps in lowering the levels of cholesterol. A lot of foods taste even better and healthier when garlic is added.

• Oatmeal

Oatmeal helps in maintaining a healthy diet plan which can be combined with fruits for a great tasting breakfast.

• Berries

They make excellent handy snacks and healthy alternatives for junk foods and commercialized baked products to lower your cholesterol level.

• Olive oil

It makes foods healthier and taste even better because it adds a distinctive taste to virtually any dish they are added to. Olive oil makes a healthy and wonderful alternative for conventional hydrogenated oil.

• Soy products

They can be added to various dishes making them look and taste good. Soy products have been added in many dishes from different cultures and it is a great way to help lower cholesterol levels.

• Nuts

Nuts make a handy and healthy snack in place of greasy and unhealthy junk foods. Examples of these are pine nuts, walnuts, peanuts, hazelnuts, pecans and almonds.

• Broccoli

Broccoli is a very nutritious vegetable which helps in lowering the cholesterol level, and the variety of ways to enhance its taste allows one to enjoy preparing them.

• Salmon and fish

Salmon contains high amounts of good cholesterol and can be poached, grilled and baked. It can also be eaten raw.

A high cholesterol diet is easy to prepare and tends to be more delicious. But this particular form of diet plan leads to serious medical conditions like heart diseases. You can still enjoy your food while staying healthy by reducing your consumption of high cholesterol foods and increasing your intake on low cholesterol fare.