A doctor may prescribe medication to someone with high cholesterol and recommend a specific diet plan. A change in diet may involve eating more nutritious foods and avoiding foods high in cholesterol.
The body naturally produces the cholesterol it needs to function optimally. Having too much cholesterol can cause problems as it builds up in the arteries and can lead to heart disease and other health conditions.
A diet plan for a person with high cholesterol will typically involve eating plenty of fiber-rich foods, including vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains, while limiting foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
This article examines how diet can affect cholesterol and what diet plan can help a person with high cholesterol.
There are
Having high levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol
However, consuming foods that help the body produce more HDL — also known as “good” cholesterol — can help reduce the amount of LDL in the blood.
Eating a healthy diet is one way for people to manage high cholesterol. The
- replacing saturated fats with unsaturated fats
- consuming as little dietary cholesterol as possible
- eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, low fat dairy, poultry, whole grains, beans, fish, and nuts
- limiting their intake of sugar, sweetened drinks, and red meat
The
It can help people:
- lower blood pressure
- reduce LDL cholesterol
- reduce their cardiovascular disease risk
The
The 2019 recommendation from the
- fruits
- vegetables
- whole grains
- fat-free or low fat dairy products
- lean proteins
- foods high in unsaturated fats
- high fiber foods
The
- egg yolks
- shellfish
- foods high in saturated fats, including red meat
However, limiting foods does not mean a person can never have them. For example, someone with high cholesterol may want to eat fewer eggs or add high fiber foods such as vegetables or fruits to an egg-based breakfast.
People aiming to manage their cholesterol may want to consider the following eating and cooking tips:
- opting for plant-based protein sources when possible, such as tofu or tempeh
- cooking using vegetable oils, such as olive oil, instead of butter
- limiting intake of egg yolks and shellfish
- using whole foods when possible and avoiding ultra-processed products
- swapping red meat for fish
- choosing lean cuts of meat over fatty ones and trimming excess fat
- eating more plant-based meals and using more plant-based protein sources such as beans
- steaming, roasting, or air frying vegetables with a small amount of vegetable oil
- cooking with healthy vegetable oils such as olive and avocado oil
The
People with high cholesterol should consult with a dietitian if they are unsure how to start incorporating healthier foods into their diet. Dietitians can provide guidance and tips on how to make healthy diet swaps.
Regular contact with a doctor is also helpful when reducing cholesterol levels. They can order blood tests to check a person’s progress and if dietary changes are having an impact.
While dietary changes may be the first step in controlling cholesterol levels, a doctor may recommend medications, such as statins, if there is no change.
High cholesterol can increase a person’s risk for heart disease. If a blood test reveals that someone has high cholesterol, a specific diet plan may be the first treatment a doctor recommends.
Current dietary recommendations focus on eating a healthy diet high in whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.