You have probably heard of bad cholesterol, which is what most people refer to when they talk about the subject. Someone who is diagnosed with having high cholesterol has high levels of LDL, which is the bad kind. However, not all cholesterol is bad. In fact, HDL, which is the good kind, is essential to the proper functioning of our body. As such, the solution to being healthy is not cutting all cholesterol (which is a type of fat) from our diet. Rather, it is about having access to lists of foods with good cholesterol and working on that. So what would such a list include?
Lists Of Foods With Good Cholesterol:
When you start looking for these types of lists, you will notice that there are two options out there. Firstly, there are foods that are naturally high in HDL, which means they get to work on raising those levels. Secondly, there are foods that work on lowering your level of LDL. Both are very important in their own right. To achieve optimum health, however, you need both. This is because you need to lower your level of LDL and at the same time raise your level of HDL. So what foods will help you to achieve this?
Lists Of Foods With Good Cholesterol That You Should Include In Your Diet:
Fruits and vegetables contain no cholesterol at all. Hence, if you want to lower your LDL, you need to eat plenty of plant based foods. Besides fruits and vegetables, you should also consider adding things like pulses, beans, soya foods, and oat cereals. Oatbran and porridge are particularly good, so do make sure that you start your day with a hearty bowl of porridge every morning.
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Pulses
- Beans
- Soya Foods
- Oats
- Legumes
As stated, however, it isn't just about eating foods that help you to lower your LDL, you also have to raise your HDL. One of the best ways to do this is by eating healthy fats, such as those found in fatty fish. Fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel are really good for you, and you should eat it at least three times per week. If you are a vegetarian, however, fish will not be an option for you. Instead, you should substitute it with flaxseed oil. Alternatively, you could consider taking vegetarian friendly omega 3 supplements. Omega 3 is also very good for your brain, your joints, your hair, and many other parts of your body, so stock up on it.
If you eat a healthy, nutritious, and balanced diet, you should find that your level of cholesterol will drop naturally anyway. Sometimes, you may need to give your body a little helping hand. Try cutting out processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and bad oils from your diet, and swap them with healthy alternatives. Instead of putting a store brand salad dressing on your greens, make your own with some extra virgin olive oil and raw garlic, for instance. It is about making healthy choices, stepping away from junk food, and enjoying the best that Mother Nature has to give us.