Eat up! Some Cholesterol-fighting Food Choices

The following do's and don'ts will help you keep HDL's high and LDL's low:

Seek out foods low in saturated fat, such as:

• fat free or 1% dairy products
• lean meats
• fish and shellfish
• skinless poultry
• whole grain foods
• fruits
• vegetables

Seek out foods high in soluble fiber, such as:

• oats
• certain fruits (e.g., oranges and pears)
• certain vegetables (e.g., Brussels sprouts and carrots)
• dried peas and beans

When you do use fats and oils, choose those with less saturated fat. These include margarine (especially soft, light, trans-fat-free margarine) and oils such as corn, canola, olive, safflower, soybean, and sunflower.

Keep in mind the value of monosaturated fat. It can increase HDL's AND lower LDL's. Foods that contain monosaturated fats include:

• Olive oil
• Other vegetable oils
• Nuts (be certain you are not allergic)
• Avocados

AVOID stick margarine with trans fats, as well as butter, solid shortening, lard and fatback.