We all know that diet plays a major role in decreasing our cholesterol levels. However, it comes as a great confusion on what to include and what to avoid in a meal so that we can help ourselves reduce cholesterol naturally. With so much information on the Internet, magazines, books, specialized articles and featured videos, it has almost become impossible to find accurate information on cholesterol and the foods to avoid.

The truth about cholesterol and food to avoid

Fast food chains have always been known for their unhealthy hamburgers that can shoot up your cholesterol level radically. For instance, fast food chains make up their yummy treats with common ingredients like high-fat, milk, cheese, processed meat and mayonnaise. When you choose to stay away from high cholesterol foods, it is important to realize that it is not only the nutritional facts but their preservatives too that play a vital role in diminishing your health. Nevertheless, with a little extra effort you can switch to healthier food but maintain the same taste for your psychological happiness.

Does this mean that I have to say no to ice creams too?

Ice cream is one of the most relishing desserts for most of us, but a single scoop of your favourite flavour may contain more fat than a typical hamburger. Hence, you need to start thinking before eating all those yummy scoops. Altering your diet means looking out for foods high in cholesterol and including more fruits and vegetables into your diet. High fibre foods are amazing as it gives you multiple advantages for your cholesterol level. However, one must remember that consuming the fruit in its original form is better than taking fruit juice.

Many have already heard this, but fruit juices are less preferred when compared to original fruit consumption. The reason for this is that fruit juice contains sugar which is again not favourable for your health and you also lose out on those natural fibres which are great for increasing your metabolism rate. Fibres are great to help lower the absorption of cholesterol in your body from foods that you take.

What about the French fries?

Fried items are also a big NO when it comes to reducing your cholesterol. Instead, try to go in for boiled food and white poultry. Sticking to white meat and skinless chicken can significantly reduce your cholesterol level.

What about sea food?

Seafood is highly considered as a safe alternative for red meat but not all seafood is cholesterol free. Seafood like lobsters and shrimps have very high cholesterol levels. A single ounce of lobster has 20 mg of cholesterol, which is cooked with butter poses an even greater threat to your cholesterol level. Likewise, chicken skin can have a lot of fat on them which again should be avoided. But the same meat peeled can make an incredible difference.

If you are trying to lower your cholesterol, the following foods are also a strict no:

• Butter: Not all types of lard are created equal. If you need to have that extra buttery flavour, you need to trade in your saturated fats. Go for margarine or other polyunsaturated oils. Try canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, or grape seed oil as a substitute. If you like to use butter to keep the saut? pan from sticking, try some white wine vinegar. It will not take away from the taste, or add any unusual flavours. It also does not add any fat. A person should not consume anymore than 300 mg of cholesterol per day, and a single tablespoon of butter has 350 mg.
• Salt: Sodium chloride or table salt is a common seasoning and preservative that keeps fat from being flushed out the body. Salt is a wonderful ionic compound that prohibits the excretion of water in the body. There are a lot of cholesterol lipids that like to hang out in your digestive tract and wait to get flushed out. Salt keeps this from happening, and keeps fat in your body.
• Organ Foods: Mainly livers, kidneys and other organs of animals are packed with bad cholesterol. Since the cholesterol we create in our body is manufactured in our livers, it only makes sense that the organ with the highest cholesterol count is the liver.
• Sponge Cake: This delectable bakery items is deceiving because it is not instantly recognized as a high cholesterol food.

It is imperative that you seek the help of a physician or a dietician to prepare a healthy diet according to your cholesterol intensity. Altering your diet is the easiest way to experience some major changes in your cholesterol level. Doing your part to avoid high cholesterol foods can be cheaper than paying huge medical bills.