In an era where health-conscious decisions play a pivotal role in our overall well-being, understanding the impact of our dietary choices on cholesterol levels has never been more crucial. Elevated cholesterol levels can significantly increase the risk of heart disease, a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Hence, making informed decisions about the food we consume becomes paramount in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system. This introduction delves into the importance of selecting foods that are conducive to optimal cholesterol levels, shedding light on the key factors and dietary practices that can lead to a heart-healthy lifestyle. By empowering ourselves with knowledge about cholesterol-friendly nutrition, we embark on a journey towards better health and longevity.
Foods to Help Lower Cholesterol
Altering your diet to include items that help lower your cholesterol can significantly benefit your health. Your drug store in Powell, TN, can provide over-the-counter supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and plant sterols, which may help support healthy cholesterol levels. Your local drug store in Powell, TN, can provide recommendations and guidance on using these supplements in conjunction with a low-cholesterol diet rich in the following foods.
Oats
Starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal or an oat-based breakfast cereal like Cheerios is an easy way to start building a low-cholesterol diet. Not only are these low in cholesterol, but also high in fiber. You can boost that fiber content with fresh strawberries or a banana!
Pectin Rich Fruits
When you are watching your cholesterol intake, choose fruits that are high in Pectin. This soluble fiber has been proven to lower low-density lipoproteins, aka LDLs, which are the ‘bad’ type of cholesterol. Fruits with a high Pectin content include apples, strawberries, grapes, and most citrus fruits.
Fatty Fish
Including two to three portions of fatty fish in your weekly diet can help to lower cholesterol. Firstly, it replaces meat, which is often high in saturated fats, and secondly, it boosts your intake of Omega 3s, lowering LDL and helping protect your heart. The best types of fish to choose for Omega 3 include Tuna, Salmon, Swordfish, Mackerel, and Sardines.
Fiber Supplements
Sometimes, no matter how hard you work at it, you can’t pack enough fiber in through diet alone. If this is the case for you, why not ask your closest drug store in Powell, TN, about over-the-counter fiber supplements?
Foods You Need to Choose With Care
A healthy diet is all about balance, so cutting certain foods out of your diet is not necessarily good. However, there are some choices that you need to think carefully about to make sure you are not accidentally increasing your cholesterol levels! There are many foods that people often label as ‘healthy’ that are surprisingly bad in terms of cholesterol!
Granola
When you hear granola, your mind probably puts it in the healthy column of your diet! However, it can carry a considerable serving of saturated fat! Even low-fat varieties are still higher in saturated fats than other regular cereal varieties. When choosing granola, looking for one sweetened naturally with dried fruit, honey, or maple syrup is important. It should also provide a minimum of 20% of your recommended daily fiber intake.
Shrimp
Whether you are taking advice from a doctor, a dietician, or even a leaflet you picked up at your drug store in Powell, TN, you have probably seen that seafood is an excellent dietary choice when trying to keep your cholesterol in check. However, there are exceptions to every rule, and in this case, it is shrimp! A serving of shrimp has approximately 190mg of cholesterol, almost two-thirds of the daily recommendation laid out by the American Heart Association! Try switching to scallops, which have just 50mg of cholesterol in the average serving.
Organ Meat
In the world of gastronomy, there is a growing trend for so-called ‘nose-to-tail’ eating! This has led to something of a resurgence in eating organ meat. However, it is important to remember that cuts of organ meat like liver, kidneys, and sweetbreads are much higher in cholesterol than more standard cuts of meat. The liver is often considered healthy as it is high in iron, but you should limit consumption to once or twice a month. If you have concerns about your iron levels, you can boost them by eating more leafy greens, or you can pick up an iron supplement at your local drug store in Powell, TN.
This is very general information and suggestions about managing cholesterol levels through lifestyle changes and dietary choices. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or a pharmacist from your local drug store in Powell, TN, for personalized advice and to discuss specific medications or treatments that may be appropriate for your individual situation. They can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information based on your unique health circumstances.
Your Hometown Pharmacy Since 1966
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Vaughn Pharmacy is a local, family-owned pharmacy serving the community in Powell, TN. Specializing in providing personalized and attentive prescription programs to our patients, we believe you are more than just a number – you’re part of our family!
(865) 947-1581