ADDING CHOLESTEROL LOWERING FOODS TO YOUR DIET

Our taste buds originate with our culture.

Except for Native Indians most of the foods we eat are dictated by the country our ancestors have migrated from and eventually these cultures take on the mainstay of the American diet. Which until recently had its origin with fast foods that are highly processed.

Today, with more Americans aware of the long term consequences of these cholesterol laden foods, things are changing.

The following are a list of ""Cholesterol Lowering Superfoods"".

Through our fast and furious media, the lowering of dietary cholesterol is forever being brought to our attention, and rightly so.

Most are aware of Salmon for its omega 3 which has been found to decrease heart disease when eaten twice a week.

Plant Sterols and Stanols have by research been found to lower ldl(the bad cholesterol by as much as 15 percent, they do this by keeping cholesterol from being absorbed

Potato Salad: Potatoes are rich in vitamin C and fiber both can protect the heart, this can be accomplished by a fiber called resistant starch and this can help lower heart disease by keeping blood sugar and insulin levels at a steady pace. Make a healthy potato salad by adding low fat mayo(or substitute your total fat with a good fat check label for good polyunsaturated fat or good monounsaturated fats). Also, add a low fat yogurt for a healthier dressing. Whatever else you add can add to the making of a tastier dish Eg. onions, salt, pepper, celery, even peppers if you so desire, as spices do not equate to increased cholesterol levels.

Asparagus and orange juice
These are loaded with folate (this vitamin can lower homocystine, homocystine is an amino acid that in large amounts increases chances for heart attack and stroke.

Pomegranate Juice
This is an antioxidant that may help reduce plaque on the carotid arteries as well as improve the function of the heart. When introducing this juice (as it is very concentrated) try using seltzer water and gradually increase the concentration until you can tolerate the concentrated product.
This is a good way to introduce something that is out of the food mainstay.

Wheat Germ Research suggests that it may prevent blood clots and thickening of the arteries. A good way to introduce is when you make your meatloaf (as meatloaf is a mainstay of many Americans) add the wheat germ to your meatloaf. This way no one will complain and your adding something healthy to their diet.

Flaxseed is high in cholesterol lowering fiber, it has omega 3 fatty acid's that can protect your heart.Introducing flax seed can be done by either grinding the product with a coffee grinder and then adding it to a meat loaf, oatmeal,or sprinkle in a stew or any other disguise.

Non Fat Milk, Yogurt and Puddings

Low fat dairy has been found to reduce blood pressure. The Framingham study that followed peoples in Framingham Ma.found that low levels of Vit D ""is"" associated with a high incidence of heart disease. Most doctor's today are testing for this vitamins level and will guide you to the appropriate amount to take. Make your own puddings using lo fat milk and keep low fat cheese or no fat cheese on hand for snacks.

The above foods can be introduced in a way that will enable your family to eat the foods that they enjoy and add an element of health.

This site deals with dietary as well as genetic cholesterol. Genetic cholesterol (lpa) has to be treated with medication.

The foods discussed above should only be used with your doctor's knowledge as some foods are not tolerated by all.

Stay healthy,