Cholesterol

Dietary cholesterol is found only in animal products such as meats, dairy products and eggs. Blood cholesterol levels are affected mostly by saturated fat in the diet and a little by dietary cholesterol.

Lowering cholesterol with therapeutic lifestyle changes (TLC)

• The TLC diet. If your LDL level is higher than 100 mg/ dL you need to be on a low saturated fat, low cholesterol eating plan. This plan calls for fewer than 7 percent of calories from saturated fat and fewer than 200 mg of dietary cholesterol each day.

  The TLC diet recommends only enough calories to maintain a desirable weight and avoid weight gain. If this does not lower your LDL level enough, add more soluble fiber to your diet.

  Foods that contain plant stanols/sterols (such as BenecolŪ and Take ControlŪ) can also be added to lower your LDL level.

  Even if your LDL level is below 100 mg/dL, you should still eat a diet low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.

• Weight management. Losing weight (if you are overweight) can help lower your LDL level.
• Exercise. Exercise is recommended to help raise your HDL and lower your LDL levels.