AHA Low Cholesterol Diet

What Is The AHA Low Cholesterol Diet And What Does It Consist Of?

A low cholesterol diet is one that includes eating healthy foods that raise good cholesterol levels and lower the bad. Most diets involve a menu that's rich in the food groups of whole grains, low fat dairy products, lean meats and fish, fruits and vegetables. It's also important to add good fats and oils, plant sterols, soluble fibers and omega-3 fatty acids. To get people started in the right direction, the American Heart Association (AHA) low cholesterol diet is the one that is most recommended. The AHA low cholesterol diet is called the TLC diet. This AHA low cholesterol diet breaks down how many servings of each food group patients should be eating.

The AHA low cholesterol diet was introduced in May 2001 and was accepted and endorsed by the AHA to replace the old Step 1 and Step 2 diets. The AHA low cholesterol diet recommends that you have less than 200 mg a day of cholesterol in the diet. In a day, fat should make up for 25 percent of calories, saturated fat for less than 7 percent, polyunsaturated fats should be 10 percent of calories, and monosaturated fats should be 20 percent. In addition, the AHA low cholesterol diet suggests that carbohydrates make up 50-60 percent of your daily calories and protein makes up 15 percent. In short, the AHA low cholesterol diet advises that the majority of your calories should come from carbohydrates, protein and good fats.

The AHA low cholesterol diet also suggests healthy eating plans that consist of lean meats, fish, eggs, fruits and veggies, whole grains, low fat dairy, and good fats and oils. Also be sure to include plant sterols and soluble fibers to the diet. Not only does the AHA low cholesterol diet focus on these healthy food groups and limiting the amount of cholesterol, but it also recommends healthy eating ideas, such as chicken and turkey in place of red meat, beans for protein, and how to choose whole grains.