From Your Health Concerns Committee
Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to heart disease – America's number one killer. Even though ther's much you can do to lower your cholesterol levels and protect yourself, half of all Americans still have levels that are too high (over 200 mg/dl).
You can reduce cholesterol in your blood by eating healthful foods, losing weight if you need to and exercising. Some people also need to take medicine because changing their diet isn't enough. Your doctor and nurses will help you set up a plan for reducing your cholesterol–and keeping your heart healthy!
What should I eat? Low fat, low-cholesterol foods include:
- Fruits and vegetables • Whole grains, like cereal, rice and pasta
- Lean meats and poultry without skin (no more than 6 total ounces per day)
- Low-fat or skim milk dairy products • Lean fish and shellfish )but go easy on eating shrimp and lobster – they're higher in cholesterol)
- Bean and peas
- Nuts and seeds in limited amounts
- Unsaturated vegetable oils like canola, olive, safflower and sunflower oils in limited amounts
What should I limit?
- Whole milk, cream and ice cream
- Butter, egg yolks and cheese – and foods made with them • Organ meats like liver, sweetbreads, kidney and brain
- High-fat processed meats like sausage, bologna, salami and hot dogs
- Fatty red meats that aren't trimmed
- Duck and goose meat