If you have high cholesterol levels, you need to be more careful about your daily food and snack choices. Eating too many fatty foods can increase serum cholesterol levels. So, what kinds of snacks are suitable for people with high cholesterol levels? The following explanation can help you choose.

Healthy Snacks for High Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol is a waxy fat that the body produces naturally. In addition to it being synthesized in the liver, cholesterol also comes from the foods and drinks you consume every day. In the right amount, cholesterol supports many important functions in the body. However, when cholesterol levels increase too high and build up in the body, this can lead to complications such as stroke and heart disease.

If you have been diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia, you need to adjust your daily menu. Choose foods with low fat and high fibre content to help keep your cholesterol levels from rising. For snacks, some recommended options for people with high cholesterol levels include the following.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is often known as a breakfast food, but it can also be a healthy snack. Oats are rich in fibre that helps lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. You can enjoy oatmeal with pieces of fruit or other toppings that are low in sugar and fat.

Popcorn

When this food is prepared correctly, popcorn can be a healthy snack choice for people with high cholesterol levels. Popcorn is made from corn, which contains fibre that supports digestion. To keep it healthy, limit the amount of salt and sugar you add when seasoning your popcorn.

Nuts

Nuts are a nutritious snack that provide polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which help increase high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) levels in the blood. They are also high in fibre and protein, helping you feel full for longer.

Some recommended nut choices include almonds and walnuts. However, nuts are high in calories, so your daily intake of nuts should be limited. Depending on the type of nut, you can usually eat about 12–24 pieces per day.

Vegetables

When you think of vegetables, you may imagine them as part of your main diet. In fact, vegetables can also be eaten as salads or light snacks.

If you have high cholesterol levels, you can choose from many kinds of vegetables. Recommended options include dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli. To create a healthy and tasty salad, you can add protein sources like boiled eggs or nuts, along with healthy fats such as olive oil to your menu.

Avocados

Many people avoid avocados because they think this food has excessively high fat content. However, not all fats are saturated fats that increase cholesterol levels. Avocados do not even contain cholesterol at all.

Avocados are rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. They also help you stay full longer, which can support weight loss in people with high cholesterol levels.

If high cholesterol levels are not controlled, your risk of stroke and other heart and blood vessel diseases will increase. If you have high cholesterol levels, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication to help manage your cholesterol levels. You can also consult a nutritionist to plan daily meals and snacks.

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