Ldl Cholesterol

Just as high cholesterol foods play a part in making you unhealthy, low cholesterol foods are key to making your life richer, longer and healthier. You don't have to give up all of your favorite foods and become a vegan or vegetarian to follow a low cholesterol diet, though. All it takes is a little knowledge about what your eating and a few simple changes in your food choices.

It's true that low cholesterol foods do feature fruits, vegetables and whole grains prominently. That doesn't mean there isn't any meat at all in the low cholesterol diet! Most kinds of fish and some shellfish are fair game, as are trim and fat free cuts of beef and boneless, skinless white meat chicken.

If you are certain a lean cut of beef just can't live up to the taste explosion of a juicy, well marbled rib eye, you're mistaken. A little finesse with the seasonings and a perfect low-fat or fat-free marinade can give any steak tenderness and zesty flavor. Even better, a low cholesterol diet is thought to be enhanced by a glass or two of red wine, found to have benefit for the cardiovascular system.

A low cholesterol diet doesn't have to be difficult or complex. You can follow it even if you are not a wizard in the kitchen. In fact, if you love to grill you are halfway there! Grilled meat and vegetables retain more of their nutrients than any other cooking method, and have much less fat. Add in a simple salad and a glass of red wine, and you have the perfect, refreshing low cholesterol dinner.

Did you know you can even include desert in your low cholesterol diet plans? Especially if you enjoy fruit. You can marinate peaches in a white zinfandel and honey sauce, then grill them. You can slice strawberries and blackberries into a bowl and garnish them with pistachio and honey glaze. Even angel food cake can be on your menu in moderation.

A low cholesterol diet doesn't mean the end to appreciating food, it just means learning to appreciate food in a different way. Where you normally would have added a hollandaise sauce or a cream based garnish, try substituting wine, olive oil or simple seasoning gremulata like diced garlic and thyme. Were you may have enjoyed a whiskey or cognac after dinner, consider wine instead. If you indulged in rich, marbled cuts of meat, try a leaner cut with a marinade.

Living the low cholesterol lifestyle is a pretty simple switch to make. A few quick changes and you can extend your life by years, and improve the quality by leaps and bounds. Think of the extra energy you will have if you start to take a few steps to improve your health - you will be amazed at the difference!