Low Fat Low Cholesterol Diet
Cholesterol and carbohydrates tend to have debauched reputations because of their effects to the body. Carbohydrates are said to increase weight and too much cholesterol is bad for the heart. This is where a low fat low cholesterol diet will come in handy. If you want to stay away from heart diseases, you should stick with a low cholesterol diet.
Some studies have also shown that a high carbohydrate diet can increase cholesterol levels but only if you eat ‘bad’ carbs. The body needs cholesterol although it doesn’t pertain to the ‘bad’ ones. Before you start on a low fat low cholesterol diet, you should know what cholesterol is. This waxy fat is important for the proper functioning of the brain and the cell membranes. However, when there is buildup of LDL a.k.a. bad cholesterol, the arteries can be clogged.
When the body has more of the good cholesterol or HDL, the LDL is deposited in the liver for proper disposal. When you undergo the cholesterol test, the triglycerides, LDL, and HDL are measured. If the test result shows that there is very high LDL level, you are at risk of stroke or heart disease.
It is an important compound in the body and so you can’t just remove it from your diet. The secret to maintaining a healthy heart is to consume the right foods. The liver is responsible for the production of the needed cholesterol but it can only supply around 80%. The remaining 20% of the cholesterol is obtained from a person’s diet. Every day, you should only consume around 200 mg of cholesterol since the body naturally produces it in the liver.
Low Fat Low Cholesterol Diet – Read Food Labels
The modern diet consists of high amounts of cholesterol. When was the last time you checked on the labels of foods? If you see any trans-fatty acids and saturated fats, this can significantly increase your cholesterol level over time. You have to avoid these fats and oils to stay healthy. The good fats can be derived from the polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Still, even its good fat, there is a need to limit its intake.
Why don’t you consult with your doctor about following a low fat low cholesterol diet? A general practitioner can refer you to a dietician or nutritionist. You will be given a special meal plan that you must follow for a certain period of time. It would be a good idea to stick with a low fat low cholesterol diet plan for a month. This is enough time to evaluate the results of the changes in your diet.
A low fat low cholesterol diet is not that hard to follow. To make sure that you’re following the right path, you have to monitor your progress. Get the help of your loved ones, as well as their support. When you are motivated, you can easily reach your goals. Eating habits are hard to alter but if you introduce the changes gradually, you can expect better results.
Start with your low fat low cholesterol diet today and in no time, you will be able to say goodbye to possible heart diseases.