Health and wellness
25 Healthy Recipes For A Low Cholesterol Diet
A low cholesterol diet is definitely a must nowadays. After all, your cholesterol and health go hand in hand. Eating too much high cholesterol food can give way to diseases like hyperlipidemia, which increases your risk of heart problems as you grow older.
Thankfully, there are easy ways to avoid this unhealthy future. One of these includes eating healthy food that lowers cholesterol levels in your body. So in this article, we show you just how to lower cholesterol naturally with the help of our low cholesterol recipes!
Why Low Cholesterol Diet?
Why a low cholesterol diet? What does my diet have to do with my LDL cholesterol levels anyway? Some may not know it, but high cholesterol and heart disease are actually linked.
Cholesterol in itself isn’t bad. In fact, there are certain foods that naturally contain it, from egg yolk to cheese and even sardines. However, there are different kinds of cholesterol that are actually bad for your health. Some foods contain this bad cholesterol, and so eating this specific kind of high cholesterol diet can negatively affect one’s health.
But first, what is cholesterol anyway? And how does one’s diet affect its levels in your body?
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fatty, waxy substance that you can find in the cells of your body. It’s actually important in maintaining your overall health since it helps digest the food you eat. While your body makes this substance naturally, certain foods also contain cholesterol.
So if it’s natural, what’s the need for a low cholesterol diet? The problem actually lies in having too many of the bad kind.
kinds of cholesterol?
There are three kinds of cholesterol: these are the HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), and VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein)
HDL is “good cholesterol”, but LDL and VLDL are both considered as “bad cholesterol”. That’s because having high levels of LDL and VLDL can actually be harmful to your health.
Why Is High Cholesterol Bad For Your Health?
Having high VLDL and LDL cholesterol levels in your body can form “plaque”, which sticks to the walls of your arteries. This can build up and make them narrow or even blocked, preventing the blood from flowing to your heart. This may lead to you developing heart diseases, heart attacks, and even stroke.
While food like egg yolk and cheese contain cholesterol, it isn’t usually the bad kind. It’s the fried foods, fast foods, processed meats, and certain desserts that are actually high cholesterol foods.
How much cholesterol per day should you consume, then? Research shows that healthy people should only be consuming 300 milligrams of cholesterol per day. Those with already high cholesterol levels and diabetes should only have 200 milligrams daily. For reference, a single egg yolk already has 186 milligrams of cholesterol.
So if you’re wondering about how to reduce cholesterol levels in your body, then look no more. We’ll show you how to lower bad cholesterol levels with the help of our low cholesterol food list!
1. Low Cholesterol Meatloaf
First on this list is our Low Cholesterol Meatloaf recipe. When people think “healthy”, they probably only picture themselves eating fruits, green veggies, and plant-based food like tofu all day. However, that’s not the case for this recipe. Thanks to this special recipe, even those with already high cholesterol can enjoy meat without worrying or feeling guilty.
Meatloaf is a classic dish that is a comfort food for many. It’s perfect for cozy dinners with family and friends. This meatloaf recipe is special because of its low cholesterol content. In this recipe, we avoid processed meats and use fresh, ground beef for the base. We also include low-cholesterol foods like oats and carrots. Whole grains, like oats, are healthy for the heart; research has shown that eating such foods lowers your risks of getting a heart disease. Meanwhile, carrots are pectin-rich vegetables that can help lower high cholesterol levels.
While it’s true that most meatloaf recipes use an oven for baking the dish, there are some recipes that let home chefs fry their meatloaf. Fortunately, this recipe bakes the meatloaf instead of frying it. This is important since fried foods are also one of the high sources of bad cholesterol.
2. Chilled Avocado Soup
Another healthy food with low cholesterol is the tasty avocado. This green fruit tastes amazing in salads and dessert, but nothing beats our chilled Avocado Soup. This delicious soup is refreshing not just because it’s eaten cold, but because it also uses fresh ingredients. It’s also quick and easy to make! All you have to do is puree the ingredients, chill the mixture for 2 hours, and voila! You have your tasty and healthy avocado soup.
Avocado is a great soup base because of its mild but delicious taste. However, its flavor isn’t the only thing going for this green fruit. Avocados are so rich in nutrients that they’re even considered as a superfood. This fruit is rich in vitamins, nutrients, and healthy fats that can help lessen your chances of getting cancer. In terms of cholesterol, avocados also have monounsaturated fats and fiber. These two kinds of nutrients are good at lowering bad cholesterol and great at increasing good cholesterol. Asides from avocado, you’ll also taste lemon, low-fat plain yogurt, radishes, and spices.
Nowadays, you can buy avocados at groceries even when they’re not in season. Coupled with how easy it is to make, and considering how delicious this dish tastes, there are many good reasons for you to try our avocado soup. It’s a dish that’s perfect for quick, working lunches.
3. Broccoli Almond
Another delicious yet healthy green dish is our Broccoli Almond recipe. Although this recipe may seem simple, its taste is anything but. In this recipe, we make use of a healthy green vegetable like broccoli, and combine it with a low cholesterol food like almond nuts. While this dish is great for those looking for low cholesterol meals, it’s also a perfect way to serve lovely, warm green veggies for lunch or dinner. The broccoli is sauteed together with almond nuts, garlic, butter, and chicken broth to give it a rich, full flavor. While you can eat it alone as a main dish, it’s also great paired with savory dishes like the Chicken Asparagus Stroganoff.
Broccoli is a healthy green vegetable that’s a good source of fiber, protein, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, E, K and B. While it’s not really known for its low cholesterol levels, its soluble fiber can lower cholesterol levels in the same way that whole grain like oats do. Meanwhile, nuts, specifically almond and walnuts, are high in monounsaturated fats just like avocados. These fats can also lessen bad cholesterol levels and raise good cholesterol levels. Nuts also have minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium which can help boost overall heart health.
This Broccoli Almond dish is easy and affordable to make, with only a few ingredients and even fewer cooking instructions. It is great as both a light lunch, or a side dish. After making this dish, you’ll realize just how well the firm broccoli goes with crunchy and tasty almond nuts.
4. Bean Salad with Pine Nuts and Feta
Our Bean Salad with Pine Nuts and Feta is another nutty dish that’s safe to eat for those looking after their cholesterol levels. Asides from main dishes and soups, we also have a tasty salad recipe that uses certain foods to lower cholesterol. In this recipe, we feature beans, pine nuts, and feta cheese that are as nutritious as they are delicious. In addition, this recipe also uses onions, bell peppers, cucumber, parsley, olives, and honey to make the best-tasting, healthy salad for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. It’s quick and easy to prepare, so busy bees with no time to spare can make this dish when they’re short on time. Just toss the ingredients in a bowl and you’re ready to eat.
Legumes, which are a group of plant foods that include beans, peas, and lentils, can lessen the amount of bad cholesterol in your body. The two types of beans used in this salad are kidney beans and pinto beans. Both have zero cholesterol, and are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and nutritious minerals. Eating kidney beans can even help regulate blood sugar levels, while pinto beans are great for your heart’s health. Pine nuts, like almonds and walnuts, are also able to lower bad cholesterol levels while raising the amount of good cholesterol. Meanwhile, feta cheese is high in phosphorus, iron, zinc, potassium, and vitamins A and B6.
If you’re craving for some refreshing salad, our Bean Salad with Pine Nuts and Feta Recipe is perfect. It’s nutritious, safe for those with high cholesterol, and absolutely scrumptious.
5. Sugar-Free Apple Pie
Who says you can’t enjoy sweet desserts when you’re on a strict diet? With our Sugar-Free Apple Pie recipe, you won’t have to worry about your cholesterol or your blood sugar levels. This sweet and soft apple pie lets you eat yummy dessert without guilt, thanks to its lack of sugar and use of healthy ingredients.
Also, even though it doesn’t use sugar, this apple pie tastes just as amazing as other apple pie recipes that do use sugar. The only difference is that this one is healthier. Thanks to its cinnamon nutmeg spice and apple juice concentrate, this apple pie manages to keep its sweet and tart taste. And most importantly, this recipe is simple and easy to do. You won’t have to be an expert at baking to master this pie recipe. In just 5 easy steps, you have yourself a hot, piping apple pie that’s safe for diabetics and those with high cholesterol.
Although this dish is a dessert, its use of apples makes it safe for those looking after their cholesterol levels. Fruits–like apples, grapes, and citrus produce–as well as berries are rich in soluble fiber which can help lower cholesterol in your body. It does this by stopping your liver from producing its own natural cholesterol. When eaten, apples can actually lessen cholesterol by up to 10%! Also, fruits generally have important compounds that help stave off heart diseases.
This Sugar-Free Apple Pie Recipe is a great and healthy way to serve dessert that everyone can enjoy. Loved ones both young and old can experience the delectable taste of a good ‘ol apple pie right after enjoying a hearty meal.
6.Citrus Glazed Salmon with Pecan-Citrus Rice
Good news! You can still enjoy rich, seafood like mackerel and salmon even when you’re on a low cholesterol diet. And in this recipe, we make dinner fancier and healthier with our Citrus Glazed Salmon with Pecan-Citrus Rice dish. Many people know that fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are rich in nutrients. However, most aren’t aware that they’re also good for people with high cholesterol levels. That’s because the pink salmon fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which are excellent for the heart. In particular, the salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids can help boost good cholesterol and help lower the risks of getting a stroke.
Its choice of ingredients isn’t just healthy either, they’re used to complement the dish and boost its overall flavor. Paired with soft, delectable brown rice, this scrumptious seafood dish makes for a filling and nutritious meal. Aside from salmon, this recipe also uses orange and grapefruit juices for its glaze, which are also good for lowering cholesterol levels. It’s also worth mentioning that this salmon is cooked through broiling and not frying. Research shows that out of the two, broiling is the healthier method of cooking seafood like salmon.
7.Barley-Herb Casserole
Next on this list of low cholesterol recipes is our Barley-Herb Casserole recipe. Casserole dishes are popular comfort food to many, and it’s no wonder why. Casseroles usually make for a hearty and filling dish. And served warm, they’re the kind of effortlessly-delicious meals that are perfect for family dinners. This casserole recipe uses healthy whole grains like barley. Similar to oats, barley helps lessen the risk of heart diseases, as well as stroke.
Asides from barley, this dish also has legumes like chickpeas which can lessen the bad cholesterol in the body. It also has vegetables like squash, tomatoes, onions, as well as parsley and rosemary. And true to being a casserole dish, it’s an easy one-pot meal that’s good for 4 people.
8. Oatmeal With Fresh Blueberries
Who says Starbucks can’t make healthy food? Our Copycat Starbucks Oatmeal With Fresh Blueberries recipe is definitely healthier and tastier since it’s homemade. But not only that: it uses oatmeal, blueberries, and orange zest which are both foods that lessen the amount of bad cholesterol in the body. This delicious breakfast meal is perfect for mornings when you need an extra boost of energy to get through the day.
Whipping up a bowl of healthy oatmeal is also quick and easy. Just cook your oatmeal the usual way, then add some honey, cinnamon, fresh blueberries, grated orange zest, and almond milk. In just 10 minutes, you have a lovely breakfast meal that’s delectable as well as a low cholesterol recipe.
9.Chocolate Orange Fondue
It may not seem obvious, but both cocoa and dark chocolate can actually lower the bad cholesterol levels in your body. And not only that, eating dark chocolate can also decrease blood pressure and even increase the amount of good cholesterol in the body. Usually, chocolate desserts become unhealthy when they’re mixed with loads of sugar, which can also be bad for your heart.
Fortunately, we don’t use sugar in this Chocolate Orange Fondue recipe. This delicious fondue uses ingredients that can both lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol! It has melted dark chocolate, as well as freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and orange liqueur. So if you thought that you’d say goodbye to your days of eating sweet, gooey chocolate desserts, then you’re in luck. With our recipe, you can still enjoy the sweet stuff without worry or guilt! Usually, the healthy kind of chocolate contains at least 75% cocoa content. Thankfully, this recipe requires the same amount for it to have the best result. So rest assured that you’ll be having a healthy treat despite it tasting sweet and chocolatey.
10. Armenian Stuffed Eggplant (Imam Bayildi)
And last but not least is our Armenian Stuffed Eggplant (Imam Bayildi) recipe. Like carrots, eggplants are pectin-rich vegetables that contain soluble fiber. When eaten, this type of fiber helps lower cholesterol levels by up to 10% by stopping the liver from producing it naturally. Asides from this, eggplants also have many other health benefits. They’re rich in vitamins and minerals, can help with digestion, and helps boost heart health.
This stuffed eggplant recipe is not only healthy, it’s savory and flavorful as well. Free from any meat ingredients, its stuffing is loaded with onions, tomatoes, parsley, and spices like cinnamon, red chili flakes, as well as fresh parsley. You’ll really get a glimpse of the wonders of Mediterranean cuisine with this eggplant dish.
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