High LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol increases your risk of heart attack or stroke, and LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, needs to be kept in a healthy range to prevent potential cardiovascular problems. There are no actual symptoms of high cholesterol, but if a person is unaware of their levels, a heart attack or stroke may occur. Blood work can determine your cholesterol levels. Reducing your saturated fat intake can help lower LDL cholesterol. Fortunately, there are plenty of delicious, healthy low cholesterol snack options you can enjoy:
1. No salt nuts
Nuts are one of the best snack options for lowering your cholesterol. Make sure to get them without salt so that you don’t raise your blood pressure. Nuts like almonds, cashews, pistachios and walnuts can satisfy your cravings for something crunchy while keeping you feeling fuller longer. Grab a handful of your favorite nuts to snack on in place of naughty options such as potato chips. But keep in mind that nuts contain a lot of calories in unsaturated fat, which is good fat, but should be consumed in moderation.
2. Veggie sticks and hummus
Veggie sticks from carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and celery are healthy and can be even tastier when you dip them into your favorite hummus. This snack will allow you to satisfy your hunger thanks to plenty of healthy fiber, and feel fuller for a longer period until dinnertime. Plus, hummus dip can be made with a variety of flavors and seasonings to keep it tasty.
3. Air popped popcorn
Many people think of salt-laden, greasy movie popcorn as a tasty snack, but air popped popcorn is so much better. It’s healthy, quick, and easy to make right from the comfort of your own home. Plus it’s high in fiber and low in cholesterol. You don’t have to feel guilty about eating air popped corn regularly. Serve it dressed in olive oil with a dash of salt and pepper, or add nutritional yeast for a “cheesy” flavor to impress the entire family while enjoying a movie.
4. Oatmeal
If you’re a fan of oatmeal, you can enjoy it in a variety of ways. Make some for breakfast or simply as a mid-morning or afternoon snack during the coldest days of winter. It’s filling, savory, and can be topped with yogurt or the milk of your choice. One of the best ways to enjoy a bowl is to sprinkle some cinnamon on top. You can also add fresh or frozen berries or bananas. As an alternative, sprinkle some oats into your fat free plain yogurt and add a bit of honey.
5. Fresh fruit smoothies
A fresh fruit smoothie is one of the tastiest and healthiest snacks to lower your cholesterol. When you’re aiming to lower your LDL number, you should incorporate plenty of fresh fruit into your diet. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and other types of berries, in particular, are really good for that. They’re also ideal for adding to your smoothie. Don’t forget to include other, more exotic fruits like avocado, kiwi, mango, pineapple, or pomegranate for that extra dash of flavor. Blend with yogurt, your choice of milk, or flavored protein powder and water.
The symptoms of high cholesterol are definitely scary and may require you to modify your diet to lower potentially harmful LDL levels. Fortunately, the low cholesterol snack options listed above give you lots of tasty variety while keeping your cholesterol levels in check.
