Low Cholesterol Foods

Cholesterol is produced by animals only. So the cholesterol free foods are fresh fruits and vegetables. When these products are processed they may have trans fat, and/or saturated fats added to enhance the taste. The trans fats are listed on the label as 'hydrogenated" or 'partially hydrogenated fats'.  

Both these fats - saturated and trans fats - are classified as 'bad fats' because when they enter the human digestive system they can be used to produce cholesterol. In which case they add to the cholesterol that is produced by the body. In short, this diet cholesterol is usually not needed (the body produces enough for itself) and becomes available for heart disease.

The bad fats are solid at room temperature. The fat on a beef steak is an example. It's always best to trim away any visible fat because it may change little after you eat it and just adds to the fat you already have stored.

Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are liquid at room temperature. An example is olive oil. Whenever possible substitute these fats for the solid types like shortening or butter.

Dairy products have cholesterol as well as saturated fat. Butter, ice cream, cheese and whole milk are loaded with saturated fats. Soy milk contains as much or more calcium than milk, but is cholesterol free. Soy is high on protein. In most cases soy milk can be substituted for dairy milk.

Trans fats are found in off-the-shelf confections such as donuts, cup cakes, cookies, and in potato chips. French fires at fast-food restaurants are usually fried in trans fats. It is always good to read the label. 

Probably only vegetarians live a totally-cholesterol-free life style. For the rest of us, we do eat cholesterol, probably every day. But we can limit the amount we eat by being 'label savvy'. Read the labels on the products you buy. And eat fresh fruits and vegetables thereby avoiding any additives that may occur during processing. Eat smaller portions of meat - 4 ounces is enough for an adult.

Anne Collins, a qualified nutritionist, has been helping people eat low-cholesterol diets since 1982. More than 249,000 men and women have followed her advice in losing and avoiding tons of fat. What makes her program so much better than others? She provides awesome personal support. Once you get in the habit of eating nutritious, heart-healthy, low cholesterol meals you will never want to return to unhealthy eating. Click on the following link and check out Anne's programs.