Lower Your Numbers Naturally

Lower Your Cholesterol  
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Your HDL, the healthy cholesterol, needs to be 50 or better; your LDL, the unhealthy cholesterol, should be under 100. If your numbers do not fall in this range, discuss strategies for lowering your LDL and increasing your HDL with a health-care professional. Eliminate these 3 cholesterol culprits from your diet to see your numbers improve.

The Culprit: Butter

Food Substitution: Banana Puree

Banana puree can step in for butter during baking. Butter packs 30 mg of cholesterol per teaspoon. Banana puree has 0 mg of cholesterol.

The Culprit: Ice Cream

Food Substitution: Frozen Greek Yogurt

One half-cup serving of ice cream weighs in at 90 mg of cholesterol. Try frozen 2% greek yogurt instead. You’ll still get the rich, creamy texture you’re craving and consume only 10 mg of cholesterol by choosing this healthy alternative.

The Culprit: Mayonnaise

Food Substitution: Avocado Slices

This common culprit can find its way into many of your favorite foods – but at 5 mg of cholesterol, consider a healthier alternative: avocado slices. Try them on your favorite sandwich – all for 0 mg of cholesterol.