A Low Cholesterol Diet

A low cholesterol diet is low in saturated fats. Less than 7% of your daily diet should come from saturated fats, and no more than 35% of your diet should come from fat of any kind. Controlling sodium, or salt, intake should also be limited to 2400 milligrams a day, so take that salt shaker off the table.

The best types of food that are low in saturated fats are 1% or fat free dairy products like milk, cottage cheese and sour creams, in addition to lean cuts of meat, preferably skinless poultry, and more fish and shellfish. Keep in mind however, that shellfish varieties differ in their fat content. Look for fish and shellfish high in Omega-3 fatty acids.

When eating grain products, opt for the whole wheat and multi grain selections instead of white, and add more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. When it comes to condiments, try to limit your intake of butter. Instead, buy margarines low in saturated fat and which are also low in trans-fat.

Trans-fat also raises cholesterol, but more and more, food items are listing whether or not they're low in trans-fat, so watch for these choices. Eating more high-fiber foods is also good for you, so get plenty of those the next time you shop.

When on a low cholesterol diet, stay away from egg yolks and 'organ' meats like liver, heart and giblets, as well as whole milk and dairy products. Steer clear of those hot dogs and fast food combo deals, as well as servings of fatty and untrimmed red meats.

Most importantly, decrease the amount of French fries consumed in your eating habits. While these measures may seem like cruel and unusual punishment to many, limiting these foods will increase your chances of getting that high cholesterol under control. If you don't think that's important, you may be putting yourself at risk for blocked arteries, which decreases blood flow to vital organs like the heart and brain.

Lowering LDL cholesterol levels is the best thing you can do for your body. You may enjoy that combo meal once in a while, but you can't keep eating it every day without doing severe damage to your long-term health.

A low cholesterol diet doesn't have to be bland and boring. There are numerous ways to grill, bake and broil food in appealing ways and with low salt marinades you can make yourself. Cook with oils high in unsaturated fats, like canola, corn, sesame, sunflower and soybean.

Bringing your diet and your cholesterol level under control with a low cholesterol diet is the best thing you can do to save your heart.