To Lower Cholesterol Do You Need Low Fat or Low Cholesterol Foods?

Published March 16, 2011 | By Lisa Nelson, RD

You would think if you have high cholesterol what you need to do is reduce the amount of cholesterol in your diet and that will take care of the problem. However, that is not the case.

You do need to limit the amount of cholesterol you consume, but the types of fat you consume have a greater impact on blood cholesterol levels than dietary cholesterol.

Different types of fat include – saturated, unsaturated, and trans fats. Saturated and trans fats may have a negative impact on blood cholesterol levels.

Trans fats

Trans fats are produced during a process called hydrogenation used to increase shelf life and flavor stability. Hydrogenation is basically a process where hydrogen is added to a vegetable oil.

Ideally trans fats in your diet should be zero. Avoid trans fats as much as possible. Some trans fat sources include fried foods, baked goods (doughnuts, cookie, cakes), and margarine.

Trans fat increases LDL cholesterol, which may increase your risk for heart disease.

Saturated fats

Saturated fats tend to be solid at room temperature. Saturated fat in your diet has a direct impact on blood cholesterol levels.

Saturated fat can be found in plant and animal sources.

Plant sources – palm and palm kernel oil, coconut oils, and cocoa butter
Animal sources – egg yolk, dairy products, organ meats, fish, and poultry

Be sure to sign up for the free e-course How to Lower Cholesterol in 8 Simple Steps provided at http://lowercholesterolwithlisa.com.

All the best,
Lisa Nelson RD
https://lisanelsonrd.com