Other Ways to Fight for Your Freedom

At Corazonas, we’re all about Freedom to Snack™ Sensibly. But we’re also about freedom to learn. So here are a few other great foods that can also help you fight high cholesterol without sucking the joy out of life. Read the list while enjoying our snacks.

Salmon and other fatty fish

Many studies have shown that salmon and other fatty fish contain significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which help increase HDL cholesterol, while lowering LDL cholesterol. Omega-3 is found in the fish oil, and also helps protect the heart by lowering blood pressure. Experts recommend eating a minimum of two servings per week of heart healthy foods like salmon. Other excellent fatty fish include rainbow trout, sardines, anchovies, white albacore tuna, mackerel, and herring. Canola oil and flaxseed are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids if you don’t particularly care for fish.

Oats

The benefits of oats, including oat bran and oatmeal, have been touted for a long time. If high cholesterol is a concern, they are excellent heart healthy foods. Oatmeal and oat bran contain soluble fiber, which has been shown to lower your LDL cholesterol. It does this by lowering the amount of cholesterol absorbed by your intestines.It takes only 5 to 10 grams of this type of fiber each day to positively impact your cholesterol levels. Since a cup and a half of cooked oatmeal has about 6 grams of fiber, just add some fresh fruit, such as blueberries, and you will easily reach 10 grams.

Pears, apples, beans, whole grains and prunes are also very good sources of soluble fiber and thus heart healthy foods as well. Heart healthy oatmeal snacks, like Corazonas Oatmeal Squares, are made with whole grains. Both include a good source of fiber and protein which make them excellent heart healthy snacks and the Corazonas Oatmeal Squares have an added benefit of 800mg of cholesterol lowering plant sterols.

Nuts

One of the best healthy snacks you can eat is a handful of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans and pistachios are all healthy snack foods which will help lower your cholesterol. They contain many nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids and plant sterols, both of which help reduce cholesterol levels.

Walnuts in particular are great for lowering cholesterol in your blood. They contain high amounts of polyunsaturated fats and are good for your blood vessels. Although nuts are heart healthy foods, they are also very high in calories so don’t overdo it. Sprinkle a few on salads instead of croutons, or toss a handful in granola for breakfast.

Soy

Soybeans contain many heart healthy nutrients, including plant sterols and soluble fiber. They also contain phytochemicals known as isoflavones, which also help to increase your HDL levels while reducing LDL levels. Soy is also an excellent food because it’s a complete protein. Good sources of soy include tofu, soy milk, soy nuts, and tempeh.