Reducing saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet is key to reducing your cholesterol. But there are also other adjustments that need to be made in your diet. The table below outlines important dietary elements and how they affect your total cholesterol level, your HDL ("good") cholesterol, and your LDL ("bad") cholesterol.
|
Dietary element |
Found in these foods |
Effect on your cholesterol level |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol* |
|
|
| Dietary cholesterol |
|
|
| Dietary fiber (soluble) |
|
|
* Doctors do not generally recommend drinking alcohol to raise your HDL cholesterol level, and you should not do so without first consulting your doctor.
Role of carbohydrates
There are two main sources of dietary carbohydrates:
- Simple sugars, such as sucrose (the sugar that is added to sweets and desserts), fructose (the sugar contained in fruit), and lactose (milk sugar)
- Complex carbohydrates, which come from vegetables and grains
Most of your carbohydrate calories should come from complex carbohydrates. Foods that contain complex carbohydrates, unlike those that contain refined sugars, contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You should also use complex carbohydrates to replace fat calories.
Credits
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Associate Editor | Terrina Vail |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Neil J. Stone, MD, FACC, FACP - Internal Medicine, Cardiology |
| Last Updated | July 20, 2006 |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed.