As you know, we need to lower our LDL “bad” cholesterol levels and raise our HDL “good” cholesterol levels. It’s estimated that half of all U.S. adults have elevated cholesterol. There is a way to lower your LDL cholesterol with plant sterols.
Plant Sterol 101
Plant sterols are natural occurring plant-based compounds that have been proven to fight heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol. They inhibit the absorption of LDL cholesterol from the small intestines into the blood stream by 50 percent. The average person consumes plant sterols everyday through fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and vegetable oils, but usually at levels too low to have a significant effect on LDL cholesterol. The FDA recently proposed an increase in the daily recommended serving of plant sterols from 1.3 grams to 2 grams.
What are some foods you could add to your grocery list?
1. Corazonas Oatmeal Squares. This is a better choice instead of granola bars. Each square has 13-16g of whole grains, 5g of fiber, and 6g of protein. They also contain 0.8g of plant sterols. (This is equivalent to 13 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables). These squares come in different flavors – their banana nut is delicious! They also offer healthy chips too. For more information, please visit their website: Corazonas. You can buy their products at Kroger, Costco and Amazon.
2. Oroweat 3 Seed Oatnut Bread. This bread contains large amounts of oats and sesame seeds (also known to help lower bad cholesterol).
3. Rice Dream Heartwise. Rice milk is a healthier alternative to cows’ milk, and with added plant sterols, each glass helps to lower your bad cholesterol.
4. Lifetime Cheddar Cheese with Plant Sterols. Are you a cheese lover? Two servings meet the FDA’s daily plant sterol recommendation!
5. Yoplait Healthy Heart Yogurt. One serving contains 0.4g of plant sterols.
6. Minute Maid Heart Wise Orange Juice. One serving contains 1g of plant sterols.
Another way to know you are eating healthy for your heart is to look for the “heart checkmark” on products at your local store. The American Heart Association is certifying even more heart-healthy foods – including fish and nuts – to help meet their goal of dramatically improving our cardiovascular health. When you see the “Heart-Checkmark” on packaged foods, you’ll know immediately that it has been certified to meet the American Heart Association’s guidelines as a heart-health food.
While you’re shopping at your local H-E-B store this Saturday, why don’t you get your blood pressure and blood glucose screened for free? H-E-B is offering this the second Saturday of each month. They also offer cholesterol screening for $3.99; Quarterly Diabetes screening for $12.99; and Complete Cholesterol screenings (fasting required) for $29.99.
Be kind to your heart! If you would like to receive an email notifying you when new articles are posted, click the subscribe button above. If you have comments, questions or stories, please use the comment box below.To get the latest information on protecting your heart health, follow Cleta Brookstein on Twitter.
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