Cholesterol Foods

After the recent Catalyst program on the ABC, there’s renewed interest in using food choices to help balance lipid levels.

So, I’ve put together a simple list of foods you might consider, each in their own special way, helping balance goof (HDL) and so-called “bad” or LDL cholesterol.

These food groups have been shown to affect cholesterol levels:

 Two or three apples a day will lower total cholesterol, and lift HDL (good cholesterol).

1. Artichokes lower blood sugar and total cholesterol.
2. Bananas lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDH (good).
3. Barley lowers total cholesterol.
4. Beans (all types) lower blood sugar, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, lower blood pressure.
5. Beer lifts HDH (good) cholesterol (half a pint a day).
6. Blueberries prevent cholesterol from interfering with blood vessel walls.
7. Raw carrots lower total cholesterol.
8. Chilli pepper lower total cholesterol.
9. Chinese mushroom (shitake, oyster, enoki, tree ear) lowers total cholesterol.
10. Coffee might lift total cholesterol in those who have more than six cups a day.
11. Corn lowers total cholesterol.
12. Eggplant protects arteries from cholesterol damage.
13. Any high fibre intake will lower total cholesterol, especially beta-glucan.
14. All fish products will lower total cholesterol, lower triglycerides, lower blood pressure, and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
15. Garlic reduces blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
16. Grapefruit lifts HDL (good) cholesterol.
17. Lemons , oats, onions, shellfish, spinach, yoghurt, wine, tea, strawberries, soybeans, olive oil all lower total cholesterol.
18. Onions regulate blood sugar, lower total cholesterol, boosts HDH (good) cholesterol, at about half a cup a day.