My strategy for lowering LDL cholesterol concentrates more on diet. It is also crucial to avoid specific meals. However, there will not be space for meals that elevate cholesterol if your diet is full of healthful foods.
A Mediterranean-style diet is something I adore. There is not actually a formal Mediterranean diet. However, southern European diets typically have the following characteristics:
- abundance of fruits and vegetables;
- a preference for whole-grain breads and cereals over refined flour;
- a liberal use of olive oil and other unsaturated fats;
- a preference for fish over meat or chicken;
- and a modest consumption of alcohol, mostly wine.
Trans fatty acids (trans fats) or saturated fats are found in meals that can increase LDL cholesterol and should be avoided.
The worst fats are trans fats. They diminish HDL cholesterol and raise LDL cholesterol. Trans fats are not found in nature. Fat hydrogenation is the procedure used to make them. Trans fats should no longer be included in food products. To be sure, it is still a good idea to read food labels.