DIET FOR HYPERCHOLESTROLEMIA
High Blood Cholesterol is often associated with heart disease. Therefore most of us think of cholesterol as a bad thing. Indeed, our body needs cholesterol to make bile salts, hormones and vitamin D. It is mainly produced by our liver. It only turns into a bad thing when cholesterol starts to build up on the artery walls as blood cholesterol levels are too high.
A low calorie, low fat , low cholesterol, normal protein and high fiber diet is recommended for patients with high cholesterol levels.
DIETARY GUIDELINES:
- One should try to maintain slightly lower than the standard weight.
- The diet should be rich in fiber by including foods like raw salads, fruits, green leafy vegetables and whole grains
- Five servings of fruits and vegetables should be included in the diet not only to meet the nutritional requirements but also to meet antioxidants and fiber.
- Vegetable oils rich in poly unsaturated fatty acids like safflower and sunflower oil should be included in the diet
- Inclusion of fish in the diet is beneficial as they contain omega -3 omega -6 fatty acids.
- Concentrated foods like sweets chocolates, cakes, pastries, ice creams and fried foods, should be restricted or preferably avoided.
- Foods giving only empty calories like carbonated beverages, alcohol sugar and sago are totally avoided.
- Tea and coffee should be taken in moderation. Execess amount of caffeine increases heart rate.
- Animal foods like meat and pork should be avoided as they contain high amount of saturated fat.
- Foods having cholesterol lowering effect like soyabean, fenugreek, garlic, onion and turmeric should be include in the diet.
- Alcohol intake should be limited.
- Constipation should be prevented by including plenty of water and fiber in the diet.
- Salt intake should be restricted if the person is hypertensive.
