If high cholesterol runs in your family, you may not be able to reduce your cholesterol level by following a strict diet and exercise routine only. In this case, you may need to take medicine.
I Haven't Touched Butter in Years
Eating healthy isn't enough
Watch video
These lifestyle changes recommend:
- Following the TLC cholesterol-lowering diet.
- Getting plenty of exercise.
- Losing weight, if needed.
Saturated fat and cholesterol are in foods that come from animals, such as meats, poultry, fish, whole milk, egg yolks, butter, and cheese. Trans fat is found in fried foods and packaged foods, such as cookies, crackers, and chips.
The TLC plan also recommends increasing the amount of fiber you eat and adding plant stanols and sterols to your diet.
Plant sterols are found in small quantities in many fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes, and other plant sources. Plant stanols come from some of the same sources. Vegetable oils, for example, contain both plant sterols and plant stanols. You can also find them in some salad dressings and margarines, such as Benecol and Take Control. They are safe for children who have genetic high cholesterol, but pregnant women need to avoid them.
For more information, see:
See the following for more information about food and high cholesterol:
- Meat and the low-fat diet
- Soy protein
- Fiber
- Fish and fish oil
- Antioxidants, flavonoids, and red wine
- Cholesterol-lowering margarines
- How fats affect cholesterol levels
- Foods to avoid
Last Updated:
July 11, 2008
