Lower cholesterol: Why?

Too much cholesterol in your blood raises the risk of having a heartattack or a stroke. Large deposits of cholesterol can completely block an artery thus not letting any blood flow through.

Men aged 35 and older, and women aged 45 and older should have their cholesterol level checked every now and then. Depending on the outcome and other risk factors you may have your cholesterol levels checked more often.

If your total cholesterol level is 200 or higher, it's time to start lowering your cholesterol. You can lower cholesterol by exercising, losing weight if you're overweight and eating foods that lower cholesterol. Quitting smoking is also a good remedy to lower cholesterol levels.

Foods that lower cholesterol

There are several foods that lower cholesterol. When eating, the most important thing to look out for is high-cholesterol foods, like egg yolks, organ meats (such as liver) and shellfish. Try not to eat these foods. Also avoid fried foods and choose non-fat or low-fat dairy products. Eat more high viber foods as well. To make it easy for you we've provided a list of foods that lower cholesterol.

List of low cholesterol foods

• Air popped popcorn
• Angel food cake
• Bagels
• Baked potatoes
• Clear soups
• Egg whites
• English muffins
• Fatfree icecream
• Fatfree potatochips
• Fish
• Lamb
• Lean beef
• Non-fat or low-fat milk
• Pancakes or cereal with non-fat milk
• Pork
• Poultry without the skin
• Pretzels
• Raw or steamed vegetables
• Reduced fat cheesecake
• Sherbet
• Sorbet

Some more tips to lower cholesterol levels:

• Eat more vegetables and fruits, five pieces of fruits a day is recommended.
• Eat more broiled or grilled fish and skinless chicken breasts.
• Choose lean cuts, and eat smaller portions, of lamb, pork and beef.
• Limit saturated fats like dairy fats.
• Try to substitute some of your foods for healthier low cholesterol foods.
• Quit smoking

If you follow the above tips you should be able to lower cholesterol levels within 6 to 12 months. Have your cholesterol levels tested periodically to see if you made any progess. If after 6 to 12 months you still don't have lower cholesterol levels than the doctor may prescribe you some medicine to lower cholesterol.