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Lowering Your LDL and
Total Cholesterol
Contributed by Shawna Gornick-Ilagan, MS, RD, CWPC
Updated by Nutrition411.com staff
Review Date 12/13
G-1084
Risks of Elevated
Total Cholesterol and
LDL Cholesterol
• Plaque buildup in arteries, leading to
coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis
• High serum cholesterol and low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are key
causes of heart disease, stroke, and
mortality
Aim for 25-35 grams (g)
of fiber/day,
particularly soluble
fiber
Focus on
activity
Decrease LDL
and Total
Cholesterol
Replace saturated fats with
monounsaturated (olive oil)
and polyunsaturated fats
(salmon)
Maintain a
healthy
weight
Focus on
fruits and
vegetables
Limit saturated
and trans fats
Focus on Fiber,
Especially Soluble Fiber
• For general health, adults should aim for at least
25-30 g/day of dietary fiber from a variety of
food sources
• 6-10 g of soluble fiber/day:
‒
‒
‒
‒
‒
‒
‒
‒
Apples
Barley
Beans
Carrots
Citrus fruits
Oats
Peas
Psyllium
Soluble Fiber
Food
Grams of Soluble Fiber
Prunes, six medium
3
Kidney beans, ½ cup (C)
2
Pinto beans, ½ C
2
Brussels sprouts, ½ C
2
Oat bran, ⅓ C (dry)
3
Orange, one medium
1.8
Oatmeal, ⅓ C (dry)
1.3
Apple, one medium
1.2
Grapefruit, one-half medium
1.1
Broccoli, ½ C
1.1
Maintain a Healthy
Weight
• Weight loss can help lower LDL cholesterol in
those who are overweight
Maintain a Healthy
Weight (cont’d)
• Lose weight by creating a calorie deficit:
– Reduce portions
– Try to use calorie-free beverages
– Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy,
and whole grains
– Opt for the fat-free, sugar-free versions of foods
– Read food labels
– Eat three meals/day
– Stay well hydrated
– Exercise
Maintain a Healthy
Weight (cont’d)
• 1 (pound) lb of fat=3500 calories
– A 250-500 calorie deficit/day will allow for
½-1 lb weight loss/week
• Aerobic activities burn the most calories:
–
–
–
–
Running
Swimming
Bicycling
Aerobic exercise and dance classes
• Strengthening activities help build muscle
Focus on Fruits and
Vegetables
Most people need 5½ cups of fruits and
vegetables daily
Fruits and vegetables:
• Are packed with vitamins and minerals
• Can help you to maintain a healthy weight
• Provide an excellent source of fiber and
antioxidants
• Help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke,
and some cancers
How to Increase Your
Fruits and Vegetables
• Top cereal, oatmeal, and pancakes with sliced
apples or berries
• Have a piece of fruit for a snack
• Add vegetables (peppers, broccoli, spinach,
mushrooms, and tomatoes) to an egg white
omelet
Tips for Purchasing
Fruits and Vegetables
• Consider canned, dried, and frozen fruits and
vegetables (good options)
• Purchase fruit without added sugar or syrups
• Look for vegetables without added salt or butter
• Try low-fat dips or hummus for dipping
vegetables
Focus on Activity
• You can achieve health benefits to your heart,
lungs, and circulation by participating in
moderate to vigorous aerobic activity for
30 minutes most days of the week or
150 minutes per week total
• You can accumulate your times—
three 10-minute or two 15-minute sessions to
equal 30 minutes
Focus on Activity
(cont’d)
• Rate your workout on a scale from 1 to 10
• Aim for moderate intensity when exercising for
health benefits:
– 0=extremely easy
– 4-7=moderate intensity
– 10=extremely hard
Focus on Healthy Fats
• To improve your cholesterol, replace saturated
fats with:
– Monounsaturated fats—olive oil, canola oil, olives,
avocados, peanut butter, and many nuts and seeds
– Polyunsaturated fats—omega-3 fatty acids, such as
flaxseed, walnuts, salmon, soybeans, halibut, shrimp,
snapper, and tofu
Limit Saturated and
Trans Fats
• Look at food labels—stay away from foods with
partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils
• Choose low-fat and skim dairy products
• Eat lean meat (trim fat and remove skin)
• Bake, roast, braise, broil, grill, or poach food
• Avoid fried foods
• Watch for hidden fats in salad dressings, gravy,
and processed foods
• Replace solid fats with liquids in cooking and
baking
Fat Consumption
Limits
Fat Consumption Limits for Lowering Blood Cholesterol
Calorie
Level
Total Fat
(g)
Saturated Fat
(g)
Trans Fat
(g)
1200
33-40 g
<9 g
<2 g
1400
1600
1800
2000
39-47
44-53
50-60
55-67
2200
61-73 g
g=grams, <=less than
g
g
g
g
<11 g
<12.5 g
<14 g
<15.5 g
<17 g
<2
<2
<2
<2
g
g
g
g
<2 g
References
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Care Manual®. Nutrition
Care Manual Web site [by subscription]. www.nutritioncaremanual.org.
Accessed December 29, 2013.
Mayo Clinic Staff. HDL cholesterol: how to boost your ‘good’
cholesterol. Mayo Clinic Web site.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hdlcholesterol/CL00030/METHOD=print. Accessed December 29, 2013.
Raymond JL, Couch SC. Medical nutrition therapy for cardiovascular
disease. In: Mahan LK, Escott-Stump S, Raymond JL. Krause’s Food and
the Nutrition Care Process. 13th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders;
2012:742-781.