Cholesterol Free Foods
Cholesterol free foods originate from plants. Examples of such foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. A low cholesterol diet will usually include a combination of cholesterol free foods and low cholesterol foods, such as low-fat dairy products, poultry, and fish. By choosing cholesterol free foods, you can lower your risk for heart disease.
In the grocery store, you will often see products labeled "no cholesterol." What does this mean? In some respects, it is a marketing gimmick. In fact, stores could put a sign above the entire produce section saying, "Cholesterol Free" because cholesterol is only found in products that originate from animals (see High Cholesterol Foods). Plant-based products have no cholesterol.
Cholesterol free foods are plant-based foods. Types of cholesterol free foods include:
- Whole grains and legumes.
You should be eating at least 3 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables and 6 to 11 servings of whole grains and legumes each day as part of a cholesterol lowering diet. Fruits and vegetables are low in saturated fat and total fat, and have no cholesterol. A diet high in fruit and vegetables may also help keep cholesterol levels low. Fruits and vegetables are great substitutes for foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
Breads, cereals, rice, pasta, and other grains, and dry beans and peas are generally high in starch and fiber and low in saturated fat and calories. They also have no dietary cholesterol, except for some bakery breads and sweet bread products made with high fat, high cholesterol milk, butter, and eggs.