Cholesterol has a pretty bad reputation – but the truth is it’s a good thing. According to Mary P. McGowan, author of “50 Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol,” our bodies need cholesterol to produce healthy cells. The bad news is more than half of all Americans have a lot more cholesterol than we need. Only about 25% to 30% of the cholesterol in your body comes from your diet. This means that roughly 70% to 75% of your body’s cholesterol doesn’t come from food -- it is made by your liver and often influenced by your genes.
There are some things we can eat to help keep cholesterol levels in check. Pistachios, walnuts and almonds are good snacks for that, just keep it to a handful a day because they’re high in calories. Bran cereal, apples, oranges, grapefruit and Brussels sprouts are good choices too. If you like avocados, olives or olive oil, you're in luck. Those are on the good-to-eat list too. For a beverage, consider 100% cranberry-grape juice. Antioxidants in grape juice slow down LDL cholesterol oxidation, and cranberry juice raises HDL or “good” cholesterol.
There are some things we can eat to help keep cholesterol levels in check. Pistachios, walnuts and almonds are good snacks for that, just keep it to a handful a day because they’re high in calories. Bran cereal, apples, oranges, grapefruit and Brussels sprouts are good choices too. If you like avocados, olives or olive oil, you're in luck. Those are on the good-to-eat list too. For a beverage, consider 100% cranberry-grape juice. Antioxidants in grape juice slow down LDL cholesterol oxidation, and cranberry juice raises HDL or “good” cholesterol.
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