Daily Diet for Cholesterol

A daily diet for cholesterol must be devoted to getting a variety of foods known as heart healthy. These foods can lower bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. In addition to knowing what foods to eat or not to eat (or limit), start preparing your foods in a heart-healthy manner in order to reap the greatest benefits.

Heart-healthy Foods

Eat a variety of heart-healthy foods. According to the American Heart Association, these foods are high in fiber and antioxidants. Soluble fiber is particularly important because it can remove bad (LDL) cholesterol from the body. Soluble fiber-rich foods include whole grains; beans and lentils; healthy oils; flax seeds; plus fruits and vegetables. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends getting at least 10g of soluble fiber daily to decrease your total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.

Use healthy oils in your daily diet for cholesterol. The American Heart Association states that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are heart-healthy. Extra virgin olive oil is notable for its cholesterol-lowering properties and antioxidants, according to the Mayo Clinic. In order to reap the cholesterol-lowering benefits, take 2 tbsp. olive oil daily.

Eat oatmeal. The Mayo Clinic states that 1 1/2 cups cooked oatmeal contains 6g soluble fiber. Add a sliced banana, containing 4g of soluble fiber, and you have your daily allotment for soluble fiber.

Eat low-fat protein as part of your daily diet for cholesterol. This category includes poultry (without skin), fish, low-fat soy foods and legumes (beans).

Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are high in antioxidants and have strong cholesterol-lowering properties. Omega 3 is commonly found in salmon, herring, lake trout, mackerel and sardines. According to the Mayo Clinic and the American Heart Association, it is recommended you eat two servings of fish weekly. Or, you can take a fish oil supplement. Other foods containing omega-3 include canola oil, walnuts and flax seeds.

Use healthy oils. The American Heart Association says that monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are heart-healthy. Extra virgin olive oil is notable for its cholesterol-lowering properties and its antioxidants, says the Mayo Clinic. In order to reap the cholesterol-lowering benefits, take 2 tbsp. olive oil daily.

Foods that Aren't Heart-Healthy

Avoid, or limit, foods high in saturated and/or trans fats. These fats can increase your LDL level. The USDA recommends your saturated fat intake be no more than between 7 percent and 10 percent daily. This amount can vary from person to person.

Saturated fats are found in animal products such as red meats, organ meats and whole fat dairy foods. Saturated fats are common in processed foods, deep fried foods and many fast foods.

Trans fats, according to the Mayo Clinic, are found in hardened fats such as shortening and partially hydrogenated oils. These fats are notably found in commercially prepared baked goods.

Cooking Methods

Use heart-healthy cooking methods. According to the American Heart Association, these include steaming, poaching, baking (no extra oils) and grilling. You risk increasing your LDL level by using unhealthy cooking methods.

Portion Control

Be aware of your food intake. According to the Mayo Clinic and USDA, portion control can aid you in monitoring your caloric intake and your nutrient intake.