Low-Cholesterol Snack Options
Cholesterol, a fatty substance, is needed for the body to produce vitamin D and certain hormones. It also helps with digestion. However, there is healthy and unhealthy cholesterol! Those who have high cholesterol are at risk of serious health conditions. These include heart disease and strokes. Doctors recommend cholesterol tests every 5 years for healthy adults. This testing increases in frequency as people age and if they develop high cholesterol.
Cholesterol is treated in two major ways. There are high cholesterol meds (statins) like Lipitor that help. Many also choose to take plant sterol supplements or additional fiber. Diet plays a big role too. The great news is there are many low cholesterol snack options out there.
Nuts
Nuts are full of soluble fiber, which is amazing at reducing high cholesterol. Some nuts, like walnuts and almonds, contain antioxidants that stop cholesterol from getting into the arteries. They also contain plant sterols! Almonds are full of monounsaturated fats, which clear cholesterol from the arteries. A handful of nuts is the perfect snack for lowering cholesterol!
Besides almonds and walnuts, other great nuts include macadamia nuts and pecans. Consuming a variety of nuts as a snack not only helps reduce cholesterol, but also ensures people get lots of different nutrients. This promotes additional health benefits!
Trail Mix
Trail mix is another delicious and healthy low cholesterol snack option. Trail mix for this purpose will contain nuts, which as mentioned, are incredibly healthy for cholesterol. Trail mix also contains other low cholesterol ingredients. Common additions to trail mix, aside from nuts, include raisins, oats, and dried fruit. All three of these contain lots of fiber, which we know is vital in lowering cholesterol.
Trail mix also embraces the importance of variety. Each handful is different! Homemade trail mix is the best snack because people control the ingredients in it. Premade mixes are still good choices, though some will contain more sugar than others. This lessens their influence as a low cholesterol snack.
Berries
Berries, berries, berries! Berries are another amazing low cholesterol snack option. Raspberries and blackberries and raspberries are considered the healthiest berries as applied to their cholesterol benefits. They are quite high in fiber and antioxidants. Other healthy berries to snack on include blueberries, strawberries, and even cherries. Yes, cherries are berries! The fiber content in berries improves digestion and provides sustained energy.
The next time a snack is needed, don’t forget about berries. Grab a handful of fresh berries from the fridge! Pack some for lunch at work! Bite into juicy berries at snack time and get the health benefits.
Apples
Yes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! This fruit is incredibly delicious. Apples are portable, which is why many people have them for a snack when they’re on the go. They're also an amazing option for lowering cholesterol. The biggest reason for this is apples contain a lot of fiber, especially in the skin. Apple slices with the skin on are delicious. Eating the apple whole is also a great and quick option!
The antioxidants in apples are also able to lower cholesterol. Apples are also high in prebiotics! Apples are delicious when eaten alone, though they are also good dipped in natural peanut butter. This addition of protein not only helps with sustained energy, but yet again, has cholesterol-lowering properties.
Natural Peanut Butter And Bananas
Peanut butter strikes again! Natural peanut butter is delicious and low in refined sugar. It contains lots of protein per serving, which provides sustained energy. Natural peanut butter is also full of healthy fats. Bananas add the fiber and round out the snack as a great way to eat and lower cholesterol at the same time!
The key here is choosing natural peanut butter rather than a variety that’s full of refined sugar. Not only does this help cholesterol, but less refined sugar prevents energy crashes and provides other health benefits. So there it is! Slice up some bananas and pack on the peanut butter!