As the winter chill sets in, it’s essential to pay attention to your diet to keep cholesterol levels in check. High cholesterol, linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, can be influenced by the foods we consume. Discover the winter favorites that may spike cholesterol and learn about healthier alternatives to embrace this season.
Can winter lead to high cholesterol?
While winter itself doesn’t directly cause high cholesterol, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine becomes more challenging during the colder months. Cardiologist Dr. Simmi Manocha explains that various factors, including diet, lifestyle, and genetics, contribute to elevated cholesterol levels.
Which winter foods can contribute to high cholesterol levels?
When the temperature drops, cravings for fried snacks and carbohydrate-rich foods often increase. Here’s a list of winter foods to avoid if you’re looking to manage cholesterol levels:
- Ghee: A common winter ingredient in Indian dishes, ghee is high in saturated fat, potentially increasing cholesterol levels.
- Butter: Widely used in hot dishes, butter’s high saturated fat content can contribute to elevated cholesterol.
- Paneer: Although a popular ingredient in winter dishes, paneer is rich in saturated fat, which may raise cholesterol levels.
- Red meat: Often favored for its warming effect, red meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, posing risks to heart health.
- Fried snacks: Winter favorites like samosas, pakodas, and vadas, containing trans fats, can contribute to increased cholesterol levels.
- Creamy curries: Dishes like butter chicken and paneer makhani, high in saturated fat, can elevate cholesterol levels.
- Sweets: Festive treats high in sugar and trans fats can impact cholesterol levels.
- High-calorie soups: Cream-based soups, rich in calories, may raise cholesterol levels if consumed regularly.
- Coconut milk: Widely used in south Indian cuisine, coconut milk is high in saturated fat, potentially increasing cholesterol.
- White rice: Although a winter comfort food, white rice’s high carbohydrate content can impact cholesterol levels with regular consumption.
What to eat to lower cholesterol?
To promote lower cholesterol levels, consider incorporating the following foods into your winter diet:
- Oatmeal or oat bran-containing foods
- Handful of nuts such as almonds or walnuts
- Fruits and vegetables like oranges and spinach
- Fatty fish such as salmon or tuna
- Whole grains like whole wheat bread or brown rice
In addition to dietary changes, managing cholesterol involves regular exercise, quitting smoking, stress management through activities like meditation or yoga, and ensuring adequate sleep.
