What foods raise HDL and lower LDL and triglycerides?
Asked by bobev on Mar 22, 2008
in Health Conditions
I just had an acute heart attack (in the emergency room so no significant damage!) with no symptoms and normal cholesterol. My cardiologist says its hereditary. My lipid levels since 2003 have been Total=166-206 LDL=99-115 HDL=39-58 Triglycerides=115-215. When I stay at 8 gms sugar per serving (South Beach approach) my triglycerides drop. I need to get my LDL consistently under 70 and HDL as high as possible. What foods do I have to adjust within a "normal" heart healthy diet?
Answer
To improve your lipid ratio, lay low on the animal fats, trans fat, "added sugar" from table sugar and high fructose corn syrup, and alcohol. Eat vegetarian meals featuring dried beans, whole grains, fresh vegetables, nuts and seeds as often as possible. Twice a week, eat 4 ounces of oily fish like salmon, tuna and swordfish to lower triglycerides. The Mediterranean Diet is the one eating plan that raises HDL. Read about the TLC (Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes) Diet from the National Cholesterol Education program. If you log your foods on Calorie Count, adjust your diet to get 25 grams of fiber and no more than 7% of calories from saturated fat per day.
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