Introduction
As we age, our bodies change and so do our dietary needs. After the age of 50, it is important to pay attention to our eating habits in order to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Dietitians recommend avoiding certain foods and eating habits in order to keep cholesterol levels in check. Eating habits to avoid for lower cholesterol after 50 include eating too much saturated fat, eating too much sugar, and eating too much processed food. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is key to maintaining a healthy cholesterol level. Additionally, limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding trans fats can help keep cholesterol levels in check. By following these tips, you can ensure that your cholesterol levels remain healthy and balanced.
Eating Habits to Avoid For Lower Cholesterol After 50, Say Dietitians
As you age, your body’s metabolism slows down and your cholesterol levels can rise. Dietitians recommend avoiding certain eating habits to help keep your cholesterol levels in check after the age of 50.
Avoid Eating Too Much Red Meat
Red meat is high in saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol levels. Dietitians recommend limiting your intake of red meat to no more than two servings per week. Instead, opt for leaner proteins such as fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins.
Say No to Trans Fats
Trans fats are found in processed foods such as crackers, cookies, and chips. These fats can raise your bad cholesterol levels and should be avoided. Read food labels carefully and look for trans fats listed as “partially hydrogenated oils.”
Limit Your Intake of Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, and white pasta can raise your cholesterol levels. Dietitians recommend limiting your intake of these foods and opting for whole grain alternatives instead.
Say No to Sugary Drinks
Sugary drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and sweetened teas can raise your cholesterol levels. Dietitians recommend avoiding these drinks and opting for water or unsweetened tea instead.
Limit Your Intake of Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are found in foods such as butter, cheese, and full-fat dairy products. These fats can raise your cholesterol levels and should be limited. Dietitians recommend opting for low-fat or non-fat dairy products instead.
Eat This Not That
Dietitians recommend avoiding the eating habits listed above and opting for healthier alternatives. Choose lean proteins such as fish, poultry, and plant-based proteins. Opt for whole grain carbohydrates instead of refined carbohydrates. Avoid sugary drinks and limit your intake of saturated fats. Eating these healthier alternatives can help keep your cholesterol levels in check after the age of 50.
High cholesterol is no friend of ours. While your body needs a certain amount of cholesterol to form cells, having too much of it can lead to serious health conditions like stroke, diabetes, or heart disease.
And unfortunately, as you age, your risk for high cholesterol increases because your liver’s ability to filter out bad cholesterol slowly decreases.
If you currently have high cholesterol, are above the age of 50, or know that it runs in the family, there are simple dietary changes you can make that may help you significantly.
We talked with a few dietitians to get their advice on eating habits you should avoid if you want to lower your cholesterol after 50, with some tips on helpful habits as well.
And for more heart-healthy tips, check out The Best Foods to Eat For Your Heart.
Limiting the amount of saturated fat you consume has been proven as an effective method in helping to lower and manage cholesterol.
“While many people think that dietary cholesterol increases your blood levels of cholesterol, that is actually false,” says Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD, author of The Sports Nutrition Playbook, and a member of our medical expert board. “One of the biggest contributors to high cholesterol is the consistent intake of saturated fat. You find saturated fat in the skin on chicken, the marbling and visible fat in and on beef and pork, full-fat dairy foods, pastries and baked goods made with butter and cream, and fried foods, as well as in coconut, palm, and palm kernel oils.”
“It’s not to say you can’t ever eat saturated fat, but the American Heart Association and Dietary Guidelines for Americans say that saturated fat should count for 10% or less of your total calories,” she continues.
The American Heart Association also recommends replacing saturated fats with plant-based proteins like legumes, liquid vegetable oils, and lean poultry without the skin.
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A common mistake that many Americans make is not eating enough fruits and vegetables each day, but our dietitians warn that this habit can hinder your goal of trying to lower your cholesterol levels.
“Fruits and veggies contain high amounts of antioxidants, which have shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels by reducing LDL oxidation and preventing the formation of plaque in your arteries,” says Courtney D’Angelo, MS, RD, author at Go Wellness. “There are plenty of ways to add extra fruit into your daily diet and create a great habit out of it. For example, you can make a protein smoothie in the morning and add blueberries, strawberries, or your choice of fruit.”
Dietitians also recommend if you’re someone who loves creamy salad dressings or sauces, you may want to limit your consumption or look for types that are made with less saturated fat.
“Many people don’t realize that their salad dressings, sour cream on tacos, and Alfredo sauce on pasta are often very high in saturated fat and calories,” says Goodson. “Plus, what’s really challenging is that sometimes you cannot see these foods as they are baked or cooked into desserts and sauces. However, these foods and ingredients are often high in saturated fat, which when eaten consistently, can contribute to an increase in total and bad cholesterol.”
Here’s The #1 Worst Oil for Cholesterol, Says Science.
Eating a consistent amount of fiber every day is key for managing cholesterol because fiber is what helps your body not absorb as much cholesterol into the bloodstream.
“There are plenty of soluble fiber foods that you can incorporate into your diet today, such as oatmeal,” says D’Angelo. “Oatmeal contains a high amount of soluble fiber, which can reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). If you start eating oatmeal every day for breakfast, you can get 3 to 5 grams of fiber per meal. You can then add fruit to your oatmeal and get even more fiber.”
Fast food is one of the worst things you can eat when you’re trying to lower your cholesterol. Not only is it loaded with fat, but the sodium content is through the roof.
“While there are some “better-for-you” options in the drive-thru like grilled chicken salads, sandwiches, and wraps, more fast food options than not have lots of saturated fat, which can contribute to increased bad (LDL) and total cholesterol levels when consumed regularly,” says Goodson.
For more healthy eating tips, check out our list of 22 Meals to Melt Belly Fat in 2022.