Question

Your neighbor heard you are taking this fabulous nutrition class, and wants to know about cholesterol. Her recent checkup was not very good. It revealed very high cholesterol levels and she wants you to help her with a diet low in fat.

Answer 1

High Cholesterol is due to consumption of foods that are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats. It leads to increased risk of fatty liver, angina, stroke, myocardial infarction, etc.

Diet can be helpful in controlling the blood cholesterol levels. Diet recommended for people with high cholesterol are:-

1) decrease the amount of food which is hih in cholesterol, trans fat and saturated fats which include egg yolks, red meat, deep fried food (potato chips, fritters, fried chicken), high fat dairy products, etc.

2) Avoid fast food/ junk food.

3) increase the intake of green leafy vegetables, legumes.

4) Eat baked, boiled, steamed food instead of fried foods.

5)Eat chicken, fish

6) Eat fruits, whole grains

7) Avoid packaged/ processed food.

8) Avoid food high in sugar.

Also, daily physical activity like walking, running atleast for period of 30 minutes.

Alongwith this, i would recommed her to consult a physician for need of any medications (statins) for her high cholesterol levels.