The best in terms of lowering cholesterol are tuna, salmon, and swordfish. Sardines and halibut are good options, too. Dr. Curry says, if you don't like to eat fish, consider taking omega-3 supplements.
People who want to manage their cholesterol or have received a diagnosis of high cholesterol from their doctor can include fish in their diet. Fish are low in saturated fat, and experts recommend eating fish regularly for heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish can help prevent cardiovascular disease.
Shellfish such as mussels, crab, lobster, shrimp and oysters are the highest-cholesterol seafood. A serving of 15 large shrimp contains 166 milligrams of cholesterol.
Skinless, lean, and ground chicken or turkey breast are good low-cholesterol choices. 100g of lean cuts of turkey breast contain around 104mg of cholesterol. While this seems like a lot, it only has 3g of saturated fat. 100g of skinless chicken breast contains 73mg of cholesterol and 0.5g of saturated fat.
Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Soluble fiber is found in such foods as oatmeal, kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Add whey protein. Whey protein, which is found in dairy products, may account for many of the health benefits attributed to dairy.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.
The best in terms of lowering cholesterol are tuna, salmon, and swordfish. Sardines and halibut are good options, too. Dr. Curry says, if you don't like to eat fish, consider taking omega-3 supplements.
Nutritional Properties
According to the USDA, 3 ounces of canned tuna in water has 16.5 grams of protein, less than 1 gram of fat and only 31 milligrams of cholesterol, and it is a significant source of iron, vitamin B-12, niacin and vitamin B-6.
The best dairy milk for people with high cholesterol is fat-free or skim milk. Plant-based milks, such as soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk, are cholesterol-free alternatives to cow's milk.
Both are considered "lean," which is defined by the USDA as foods with less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 95 milligrams of cholesterol in a serving. Fish provides a unique benefit over chicken in the form of its healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Since it is easier to get higher amounts of saturated fat from red meat, switching to chicken can help manage blood cholesterol. A study shows that including lean skinless chicken alongside fish can reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol.
Fatty fish such as salmon and albacore tuna are also great for managing cholesterol levels. These foods provide omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and risk for heart disease. Research shows that omega-3 fats help lower harmful triglyceride levels and can raise HDL, which is desirable.
The bottom line
When it comes to improving your heart health and your cholesterol levels, salmon is a great choice. Unlike red meat, salmon is a good source of healthy unsaturated fats that can benefit your cholesterol. It's also packed with protein and nutrients.
Unsaturated fats, the type found in avocados, are considered healthy types of fat. And avocados have no cholesterol whatsoever. Both polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats can help lower blood cholesterol levels, making avocados a heart-healthy food.
Full-fat yogurt
Research associates increased intake of full-fat fermented dairy products with reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes ( 23 ).
Tomatoes are a significant source of a plant compound called lycopene, which reduces levels of LDL cholesterol. Research shows that the body absorbs more lycopene if the tomatoes are processed or cooked, so drink tomato juice and add tomatoes to your minestrone soup as well.
Pasta doesn't contain cholesterol, but it is high in carbohydrates. In turn, carbs can affect your cholesterol levels. Refined pasta is the most common type of pasta consumed.
Shellfish such as oysters, mussels, crab, lobster, and clams contain large amounts of cholesterol, particularly in relation to their serving size. For example, King crab legs contain 71 mg of cholesterol per serving, lobster contains 61 mg per serving, and oysters contain 58 mg per serving.
Pears and apples have a lot of pectin, which is a type of fiber that can lower cholesterol. So do citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Berries are also high in fiber.
The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system.
While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppress the body's production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.