One of the best ways of managing health conditions is through the food you eat. Consuming nutritious, healthy foods can also reduce your risk of developing various disorders. There is a link between high cholesterol and foods. Listed below are a few foods to eat and avoid if you have high cholesterol levels.

1. Fruits and vegetables
These should be on the top of the list when discussing high cholesterol and foods. Spinach, bell pepper, oranges, apples, yams, broccoli, and others are the foundation of a healthy, nutritious lifestyle. They provide the body with the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it needs to function properly. Also, being naturally free of cholesterol, fruits and vegetables help manage your cholesterol levels more effectively.

2. Whole grains
Whole wheat, barley, and oats are also among foods that can help manage cholesterol. These contain fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. Therefore, choosing bread, cereals, and pasta that have whole grains could be helpful. However, if you have celiac disease or are gluten intolerant, avoid a few whole grains. Speaking to your doctor might be useful.

3. Meat and beans
When reviewing high cholesterol and foods, opting for lean cuts of red meat such as pork and beef or those that have less fat will help manage cholesterol levels. Choosing skinless cuts of turkey and chicken is also helpful. You can swap meat for beans such as kidney beans and soybeans a couple of times a week. These are also high in protein.

4. Foods high in trans fats
When considering high cholesterol and foods to avoid, fried and packaged foods should be avoided or restricted. These include fried fast foods, pizza, doughnuts, and cookies. Check the labels of snack items you wish to purchase or avoid readymade snacks and opt for healthy options such as fruits and nuts.

5. Sugar
Excessive consumption of sugar can put you at risk of a number of health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, and cholesterol. It can also result in obesity that increases your risk of developing most disorders. Most of the packaged food we consume contains sugar in some form. Hence, check the labels for ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, brown sugar, corn sweeteners and syrup, lactose, glucose, and maltose. Avoiding fruit juice concentrates would also be a good idea.

Being aware of the relationship between high cholesterol and foods will help you manage your condition more effectively. You can also consult your doctor on advice and recommendations about your lifestyle to ensure your body gets the necessary nutrition.