What is cholesterol and why is it a problem?
Cholesterol is a fatlike substance in the blood. It is produced in the liver.  You also consume it whenever you eat any “animal-based” foods.

Some cholesterol is necessary for your body to function properly.  Too much, especially when transported by low density lipoproteins, raises your risk of developing atherosclerosis.  In atherosclerosis, the blood vessels become narrow as fatty deposits stick to the lining of the vessels.  Atherosclerosis can lead to heart disease, stroke and other circulatory problems.

Dietary fats come in three types. 

• Saturated fats come from meats and meat products.
• Polyunsaturated fats come from vegetables and can lower cholesterol levels.
• Monounsaturated fats have no effect on cholesterol levels. 

Which foods are high in cholesterol?

• Organ meats, red meat, fatty poultry, shrimp, bacon, cold cuts and hot dogs
• Coconut oil, palm kernel oil, cocoa butter and animal fats such as lard
• Baked goods made with eggs and shortening
• Whole milk and dairy products made from whole milk
• Chocolate, margarine, butter, non-dairy substitutes, some salad dressings, peanut butter
• Egg yolks
• Fried foods

So, which foods are low in cholesterol?

• Fish
• Low-fat dairy products
• Fruits and vegetables
• Grains, herbs and spices
• Lean meat and poultry
• Egg substitutes
• Polyunsaturated oils

Increased protein intake may speed wound healing.  How can that be accomplished while maintaining healthy cholesterol levels?

You can add the following foods to your diet to increase protein intake without raising your cholesterol:

• All nuts except cashews, coconut and macadamia nuts
• Low-fat dairy products like low-fat milk, low-fat cottage cheese and low-fat yogurt
• Soybeans (a good meat extender)
• Cereal and legumes like dried peas and beans

How can I alter my current diet and sill keep my cholesterol down?
Try making the following substitutions for foods you normally consume:

1.         Milk and milk products

• Substitute skim milk for whole milk
• Substitute sherbet, ice milk, sorbet or non-fat frozen yogurt for ice cream
• Substitute low-fat for regular cottage cheese or yogurt

2.         Meats

• Buy lean meats and trim off visible fat
• Increase fish, poultry and legume consumption
• Broil, roast or stew meat instead of frying
• Don’t eat the skin on poultry
• Avoid or limit organ meats and shellfish
• Limit egg yolks to 3 each week, or try egg substitutes

3.         Fats

• Use polyunsaturated margarine instead of butter
• Use polyunsaturated oils like corn oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil and soybean oil

4.         Fruits and vegetables

• Use fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables.  They are low in cholesterol and add fiber to your diet that will actually lower cholesterol levels
• Read labels carefully when buying, especially if the product comes with a sauce or salad dressing