These delicious foods and drinks pack a heart-healthy punch.
For starters, let’s define it.
But not all cholesterols are the same.
There are two main types: low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and high-density lipoproteins (HDLs).
Pictured Recipe:Salmon & Quinoa Bowls with Green Beans, Olives & Feta
1.
Olive Oil
Olive oilis a staple of the Mediterranean diet for good reason.
Use olive oil for cooking,salad dressings, drizzling over dishes or for dipping bread in.
Salmon
Along with being delicious, salmon is full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
To reap the cholesterol-improving benefits, try our deliciousHoney-Garlic SalmonandSalmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce.
Beans & Legumes
One important ingredient in boosting your HDL cholesterol levels is getting enoughsoluble fiber.
They can be used in everything fromcasserolestotacos.
Avocado
They may be famous for how they can upgrade yourtoast, but avocados have some impressiveheart-healthy benefits.
Avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber.
This combo of nutrients allows avocados to help clean out LDL cholesterol while boosting HDL cholesterol levels.
you’re free to use avocados for more than justguacamole, too.
Try them in this savoryAvocado Hummusor in a sweet and creamySpinach-Avocado Smoothie.
Boost your intake by swapping in whole-grain bread or whole-grain pasta instead of white bread or refined-grain pasta.
Give ourChicken Quinoa Fried Ricerecipe a try tonight.
Seeds likechia seedsare also packed with omega-3 fatty acids for even more HDL-boosting benefits.
Plus, berries are a delicious way to up your fruit intake.
Stir them into a yogurt parfait orsmoothie, or top a salad with them for a sweet flavor boost.
A healthy, balanced eating pattern also plays an important role.
For more, check out ourCholesterol Diet Center.