Low Cholesterol Food List

Cholesterol is something that kills people by the thousands each year, yet it is one of the least understood concepts by society. There are two types of cholesterols, only one of which is bad. Foods that have high contents of saturated fats have high contents of this bad cholesterol. This is because saturated fat is made up of these bad cholesterols. It is, therefore, important to limit consumption of foods with high contents of bad cholesterol and fill up on food with minimum cholesterol content. The main problem people face is that they do not know exactly which foods to avoid and which not to. The lack of knowledge to differentiate between good and bad cholesterols is to be blamed for this. Certain people take extreme measures by completely cutting of fats from their diets. However, this too, can be disastrous. Therefore, it is vital that a balance is maintained.

To maintain a balanced diet it is important to have a low cholesterol food list with you at all times so that you know the quantities of food types you need to consume at each meal. Of the low cholesterol food list, the most important category is vegetables and fruits. Consuming veggies and fruits have always been a battle, especially with kids. However, more and more people are increasing their consumption of these foods after realizing the difference it made in their health and fitness. The reason vegetables and fruits are at the top of the low cholesterol food list is that they are made up of mainly dietary fibers and water. They also have many vitamins and minerals that the human body requires, but no fat whatsoever. As a result, these foods are very satisfying even in small quantities and replenish the body’s needs for minerals.

Grains are another important item in the low cholesterol food list. It is their high contents of carbohydrates that make them so important. Carbohydrates are required for energy, which the body cannot function without. The problem here, however, is that most people consume refined grains. When grains are refined their purpose in the low cholesterol food list is mostly lost. Whole grains contain large quantities of dietary fiber which goes to waste when they are refined. Refined grains also lead to over eating of this food category. When eaten in excess, grains can be bad.

Leans meats are also part of the low cholesterol food list. They are made up of proteins which are vital for cell production. Meats such as chicken and fish are the best, though even red meats are high in protein. They also contain certain minerals which are necessary in our diet. Here again, excess consumption of these can be unhealthy.

Finally come nuts in the low cholesterol food list. Nuts are rich in vitamins and minerals making them healthy in only small quantities.