8 Healthy and delicious low-cholesterol snacks

For those of you who have high cholesterol problems, you may be confused about choosing a low cholesterol snack that is healthy, but still delicious. In fact, not a few people actually break the habit snacking in order to keep cholesterol levels normal. In fact, you can take advantage of habits snacking these to help lower cholesterol, as long as you choose wisely. So, what snacks are good for people with high cholesterol? Check out the full review below.

Guide to safe eating snacks for people with high cholesterol

People who have high cholesterol levels can still continue the habit snacking , with a note avoiding foods made from butter, milk, or fatty meat. This is because these foods are high in fat, which can form plaque in the arteries and clog the heart. If allowed to continue, this can lead to heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

In addition, also avoid various snacks that contain trans fats, such as biscuits, crackers , and other sugary foods to keep your blood sugar stable. According to The Ohio State University Medical Center Department of Nutrition Services, it is recommended that you eat a snack every two to three hours to stay full throughout the day and maintain your body's blood sugar levels. Thus, you are no longer tempted to eat high cholesterol snacks.

A variety of healthy and delicious low-cholesterol snacks

1. Popcorn

A typical snack while watching a movie such as popcorn can be a low cholesterol snack option. According to the American Heart Association, popcorn comes from whole corn kernels which are high in fiber and can help lower cholesterol.

Popcorn can be a healthy snack and appropriate if processed the right way. Instead of butter, you can use olive oil and a little bit of parmesan cheese to make the popcorn tastier but still healthy for you.

2. Nuts

Nuts can be the right snack choice if you want to lower cholesterol. Types of nuts that contain lots of HDL or good cholesterol are almonds, walnuts, and pecans.

A study shows that almonds are rich in unsaturated fats which are useful for lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as increasing HDL. But remember, nuts are also high in calories.

Therefore, it is enough to consume at least 30 grams of nuts, or the equivalent of 24 almonds or 14 walnuts, to keep your cholesterol levels stable.

3. Vegetables

Vegetables are food ingredients that are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals for the body. Not only good for controlling cholesterol levels, vegetables also contain low fat, sodium and calories. This means that eating more vegetables can make you avoid heart disease.

So, you don't have to switch to a vegetarian diet just to lower your cholesterol. Just make sure you eat vegetables in a variety of colors to get a variety of vitamins and minerals.

For example, by consuming soup or vegetable salad consisting of various kinds of vegetables, you can get a lot of vitamins and minerals from these foods. Pair it with potatoes, chicken, or eggs, so your salads and soups are full of carbohydrates, protein and fiber.

4. Potato chips

To keep cholesterol levels normal, it is recommended that you limit potato chips or various other fried foods that contain high salt and cholesterol. However, that doesn't mean you can't eat potato chips forever, you know!

Yes, you can make your own potato chips which are healthy and safe for your cholesterol. Basically, potatoes are low in calories and high in fiber, potassium, and minerals that help keep blood pressure under control. So, make your own version of potato chips by roasting them using olive oil.

5. Oatmeal

Don't just think of oatmeal for breakfast. You can also serve oatmeal as a healthy snack menu, you know!

Oatmeal contains soluble fiber which can absorb cholesterol and move it to the digestive system without being absorbed by the body. In addition, fiber can trigger the production of bile acids which can help lower good cholesterol (LDL). So, oatmeal can be a low-cholesterol snack that you should try.

6. Fruits

Just like vegetables, fruits can also be "drugs" lowering your cholesterol. For example, apples, strawberries, grapes, and citrus fruits contain pectin, a type of fiber that can lower LDL levels.

Not only that, but fruits also contain potassium which can help control blood pressure. As a result, the body becomes healthier and avoids the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.

7. Vegetable and bean soup

A bowl of soup may not be the first thing that comes to mind as a snack. But in fact, soup can be a practical food and is also low in saturated fat, especially when enriched with various vegetables and nuts.

Adding nuts to vegetables can provide you with soluble fiber and protein that will keep you full longer. For example, every 230 grams of edamame contains 25 grams of protein and a low amount of saturated fat. So, are you ready to make vegetable and bean soup as your snack today?

8. Whole wheat bread

Kristi King, RDN, MPH, a nutritionist from Houston told Everyday Health that whole wheat bread is very good for cholesterol-lowering snacks. This is because whole grains contain a good amount of fiber and protein which are beneficial for keeping cholesterol under control.

Each slice of whole wheat bread contains two grams of protein and two grams of fiber which are good for digestion. You can also add whole wheat bread with a little cheddar cheese which is useful as a probiotic for intestinal health.