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and Health
Having a healthy diet means eating foods that won’t increase your cholesterol levels and provide all the essential nutrients needed for good health. Here are top foods recommended to have a healthy blood lipid profile and maintain overall health.
Foods to eat
Nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats should be included in your diet. Eating foods like oatmeal, wild-caught fish, leafy green vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, avocados, and olive oil can help decrease bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels. Additionally, fiber-rich foods such as oats, brown rice, barley, quinoa, and beans can help reduce cholesterol levels and boost digestive health.
Foods to Avoid
Avoiding foods high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol is important for maintaining a healthy blood lipid profile. Foods to avoid include processed and packaged foods, white bread, white rice, full-fat dairy products, fatty meats, sugar-sweetened beverages, vegetable shortening, and deep-fried foods. Cutting back on your consumption of added sugars and sodium is also recommended to protect your overall health.
When making dietary choices, it is important to focus on the nutrient-dense foods mentioned as they will provide essential vitamins and minerals while also supplying beneficial fatty acids that can help protect your heart and maintain cholesterol levels. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet will help with maintaining a healthy blood lipid profile and keeping your overall health in check.
What is the difference between good and bad cholesterol?
Good cholesterol, also known as HDL (high-density lipoproteins), is a type of fat in your blood that helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries. Bad cholesterol, also known as LDL (low-density lipoproteins), is a type of fat in your blood that can build up in the walls of your arteries, leading to health problems. Good cholesterol helps keep your arteries clear and healthy, while bad cholesterol can accumulate and contribute to plaque build-up, increasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
