High Cholesterol Diet

What is high and low cholesterol? What is good and bad cholesterol? What are the ideal cholesterol levels? Normal questions, aren't they? Do you know the answers? If not, it is important you know these answers, before we proceed. Given below, is a chart that tells you how cholesterol levels are differentiated. After that, we tell you what is the difference between good and bad cholesterol. Awareness about these, will not only keep you well-informed, but also on the healthier side. Here is a detailed account on high cholesterol diets, and how you should go about planning yours, if you suffer from high cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol Levels
Given below is a chart that shows you the three primary cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol level is less than 200 mg/dL, you are on the safer side, and have less chances of any heart problems or coronary diseases. Between 200 mg/dL and 239 mg/dL, you are somewhere close to the levels of high cholesterol, and should take immediate measures to get this level back below 200 mg/dL, as soon as possible. 240 mg/dL and anything above that, is a level of high cholesterol, a reason for major concern. Here, you should say goodbye to your usual high cholesterol diet and plan a diet with foods that help lower cholesterol.

Total Cholesterol Level
200 mg/dL or Less	This level will reduce your chances of heart problems and coronary heart diseases. A person doesn't need to worry about cholesterol levels when he's inside this limit.
200 to 239 mg/dL	Borderline
Above 240 mg/dL	This level is something to worry about, as this is a high cholesterol level. A person doubles his chances of having heart problems and coronary heart diseases if his cholesterol level is anywhere above 240 mg/dL.

Cholesterol is of two types, namely the good cholesterol and the bad cholesterol. LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) is called bad cholesterol, as it travels into the artery wall, and starts forming plaques by a certain process. These can many times rupture, and result in blood clotting and/or production of arterial stenosis. If this happens with a great intensity, it can lead to heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) is the good cholesterol, as it is capable of removing cholesterol from the atheroma, inside the arteries and take it back to the liver for re-utilization, or for excretion. In short, if you have high levels for HDL, you have fewer chances of heart problems, and if you have high levels of LDL, you have more chances of coronary diseases.

Foods to Avoid
If you are consuming foods that contain high levels of LDL, you are in for trouble. A diet high in cholesterol does no good, and should be completely avoided. But there are foods that can replace these, for the better. Here is a list of foods that should be avoided, if you already have high levels of cholesterol. This is a high cholesterol foods list, that should be a strict no-no for you if you are a cholesterol patient. Even if you have no problems with cholesterol, these foods should still be consumed in a limit. Here is a list of foods that are considered most harmful. Take a look!

• Beef - 3100
• Pork - 2552
• Whole egg - 2017
• Egg yolk - 2335
• Lamb - 2504
• Veal - 3100
• Duck and goose - 515
• Fish oil (herring) - 766
• Fish oil (sardine) - 710
• White fish - 439

*The figures in numbers indicate Cholesterol (in mg/100 g)

Apart from this list of foods high in cholesterol, you should also try to avoid the following foods that are moderately high in cholesterol, and form a part of the high cholesterol diet nevertheless.

• MacDonald's Egg McMuffin
• MacDonald's Big Breakfast
• MacDonald's Scrambled Eggs
• Cream cheese
• Dunkin Donuts Bagel, bacon & cheese
• Chicken
• Cheddar cheese
• Lamb
• Sponge cake
• Butter

Foods to Eat
If you have high levels of cholesterol, you should consume natural cholesterol lowering foods, to help lower your levels naturally. Foods that contain soluble fiber, omega-3 fatty acids and soy protein help in reducing cholesterol levels. You can also take a low cholesterol foods list from you doctor or nutritionist before planning your diet. Here is a list of cholesterol lowering foods that you can include in your diet.

• Almonds
• Peanuts
• Walnuts
• Apples
• Cooked oatmeal
• Salmon
• Olive Oil
• Tofu
• Blueberries
• Cauliflower
• Yogurt
• Strawberries
• Grapes
• Spinach
• Garlic
• Cabbages
• Celery
• Onions

Now that you know about the cholesterol levels, and foods that lower these levels, you can completely avoid a diet high in cholesterol. Healthy eating is the best solution to nearly all health problems. Consult your doctor or nutritionist, and plan a healthy diet for yourself as soon as possible. You will not only lower your cholesterol levels by it, but will also have a fit and healthy body.