Stay heart healthy by limiting cholesterol intake
Excesses in dietary cholesterol have been linked to increases in coronary heart disease. Reducing dietary intake of cholesterol can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and lower health risks.
The Daily Value for Cholesterol
A cholesterol-free diet is healthy
Since the body manufactures all the cholesterol it needs, there is no need to include any in the diet. The daily value of 300mg cholesterol is a maximum suggestion and the FDA label guidelines suggest keeping cholesterol intake as low as possible.
Recommendations for the Average Person
The average person should limit dietary cholesterol
The American Heart Association recommends a goal of less than 300mg dietary cholesterol each day. Cholesterol is found only in animal fats.
Recommendations for People at Risk
People with cardiac risk must be more strict with dietary cholesterol
For those at risk for coronary heart disease the National Cholesterol Education Program suggests therapeutic lifestyle changes, including limiting dietary cholesterol to 200mg per day.
Reduce Cholesterol Intake
Vegetable oils are cholesterol free
The Cleveland Clinic suggests starting with simple substitutions. Replace saturated fats with mono and polyunsaturated choices.
A Low Cholesterol Diet
Chicken and fish are lower in cholesterol than most cuts of beef
Eating smaller portions of animal products as well as lower fat cuts of meat and low-fat dairy products can reduce daily cholesterol intake.
Tags: dietary cholesterol, cholesterol intake, coronary heart, coronary heart disease, heart disease
