Plus, delicious ways to incorporate them!
Cholesterol has a reputation for being a bad thing, but it’s necessary for your health.
However, trans fats can still naturally be found in a few foods.
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These areunsaturated fats, which include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Here are five foods that pack key unsaturated fatty acids that research shows can improve your cholesterol.
Pistachios
You’ll want to grab a handful of these for your next snack.
(The amount of pistachios consumed varied across studies but was as little as 1 ounce daily.)
Additionally, pistachios contain phytosterols, which are plant compounds known to lower cholesterol.
Haddad-Garcia recommends thisPistachio & Peach Toastas a delicious heart-healthy snack for a busy afternoon.
Flaxseed
Time to sprinkle some flax on yourmorning bowl of oatmeal.
One tablespoon of ground flaxseedoffers 37 calories and 3 grams of fat.
Next time you’re makingbanana bread, toss in flaxseed to increase your intake of heart-healthy fats.
While this is only one measure of your cholesterol, having higher levels may improve your heart health.
The creamy fruit (yes, avocado is a fruit!)
A classicAvocado-Egg Toastis a flavorful and heart-healthy way to start your day.
Plant-Based Oils
A little drizzle of heart-healthy oil will do it.
Consuming otherplant-based oilslike avocado, sesame, peanut and canola can support your heart health," says Haddad-Garcia.
Fatty Fish
Time to serve up some fish for supperwell, make that fatty fish.
But you dont have to get rid of it completely," notes Haddad-Garcia.
Small dietary changes can help you better manage your cholesterol.