Cholesterol Control

Question
Hi Todd,
I抦 trying to get my cholesterol down.  I know that French fries are not good since they are deep fried.  Are home fries much better or should I keep away from them too?  What about French fries that are said to be baked?  Are they really any better?
Thanks,
George


Answer
George,

Baked fries are going to be much better than deep fried fries (if fried in saturated fat or partially hydrogenated fat).  Almost all fries in America are fried in a partially hydrogenated oil, and this is bad for your cholesterol levels.

You should also understand that our total cholesterol and LDL levels are primarily determined by genetics (85-95%) and less determined by diet (5-15%).

To lower total cholesterol and LDL (bad cholesterol), it is best to eat a diet low in saturated fats (animal fats) and trans-fatty acids (partially hydrogenated oils in margarine and shortening).  Unsaturated fats - plant fats like olive oil, canola oil and corn oil - contain a lot of calories (like all fats do), they are not bad for your cholesterol levels.

Other basics principles of a healthy diet include:
* Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
* Eat a variety of grain products, especially whole grains (complex carbohydrates).
* Limit sugars and low nutrient foods high in sugar such as soda pop, candy, etc. (simple carbohydrates).
* Eat an appropriate number of calories to maintain a healthy weight.
* Stay physically active to remain fit. Exercise 30 minutes or more on most days.

For more info, you can go here:
http://www.lipid-clinic.com/diet.html
http://www.lipid-clinic.com/lipids.html

I hope this helps.

Todd
www.Lipid-Clinic.com

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