foods that help reduce cholesterol in seniors
DESCRIPTION
For seniors, the trick is to use diet to lower the intake of bad cholesterol while consuming foods that provide energy and help the body make use of good cholesterol. Here are some points to keep in mind.TRANSCRIPT
While it is true that the body needs a certain amount of
cholesterol, not everyone understands there are two
different types. HDL is known as good cholesterol and
supports many different functions. LDL, or bad cholesterol,
increases the chances of developing many types of health
woes. For seniors, the trick is to use diet to lower the
intake of bad cholesterol while consuming foods that
provide energy and help the body make use of good
cholesterol. Here are some points to keep in mind.
While a low carbohydrate diet is typically recommended for people
living with type 2 diabetes, it is also helpful in lowering the intake
of bad cholesterol. Going green with the food is one of the ways to
take in plenty of nutrients and still feel full.
Consider learning more ways to prepare green leafy vegetables like
kale, collards, and turnip greens. Spinach is another excellent
choice. Each of these is packed with nutrients, do not contain a lot
of carbohydrates, and can be prepared without adding any bad
cholesterol to the mix. For example, you can chop and grill each of
these vegetables using a little olive oil. The result is much
healthier than boiling them with some meat as seasoning.
Vegetables with higher amounts of fiber are also helpful with
lowering bad cholesterol levels and keeping those levels within a
healthy range. Broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini are a few
excellent examples. The fiber makes it easier for the body to pass
the excess cholesterol into the gastrointestinal tract and expel it in
the waste. That helps keep it from building up in your
bloodstream.
Many fruits are great sources of nutrients and fiber. Adding
apples, pears, and similar fruits to your diet will help you
feel satisfied and boost your energy levels. That in turn
makes it easier to exercise and increase your levels of good
cholesterol.
While red meat and poultry are among the top sources of cholesterol in
diets today, that does not mean you can never eat them again. The
trick is to broil and bake rather than fry the meats. If you have chicken,
remove the skin before you bake it. With hamburger, choose lean cuts
with a minimum of fat and use a broiling pan to keep the drippings
away from the cooked meat. Little tricks like that lower the fat and
reduce your intake of bad cholesterol.
Remember that lowering bad cholesterol while making sure your good
cholesterol level is within a healthy range is good for your mind as well
as your body. Talk with your doctor and come up with a diet plan that
works for you. It will not be long before you begin to feel more
energetic and ready to go out and enjoy life.