High levels of cholesterol can trigger the development of plaque buildup in the arteries, which is the most common cause of strokes and heart attacks. Medical science research has established that reducing the amount of LDL cholesterol often improves the performance of the cardiovascular system. Older adults are in the most susceptible age group for developing high cholesterol levels, which begs a critically important healthcare question.

Is there a way for seniors to fight back against high cholesterol levels?

The answer is a resounding yes. Lowering high cholesterol levels starts by following a diet that contains ingredients low in cholesterol. At our senior housing facility in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, our team of dieticians and nutritionists recommend five great meals that are low in cholesterol.

What Are Five Great Meals That Are Low in Cholesterol?

At the MorningStar assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, we emphasize the importance of eating healthily by devising menus that feature ingredients that are low in cholesterol. Following a diet consisting of each of the following five meals should keep you on the right path toward achieving low cholesterol levels.

Green Bean and Herb Salad

One of the most effective strategies for staying away from high-cholesterol foods is to avoid anything that comes out of a deep fryer. A green bean and herb salad, which includes fresh herbs, as well as garlic and onion, helps reduce cholesterol levels within a short period. Adding anchovies to this recipe increases the amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids in the bloodstream.

Chicken Sausage and Peppers

It might seem counterintuitive to serve sausage as a cholesterol-lowering ingredient for a meal. However, chicken sausage provides the flavor of sausage, without contributing to an increase in cholesterol levels. The fact that this dish is baked on a sheet pan is one factor that helps chicken sausage remain cholesterol-neutral. Add tri-colored peppers to the recipe and you benefit from a cholesterol-reducing meal that also contains an abundant amount of vitamin C.

Poached Salmon With Shallots and Tomatoes

Salmon is well-known for containing a large amount of omega-3 fatty acids that enhance heart health, while at the same time preventing the development of highly painful inflammation. The key to reaping the heart-healthy benefits of salmon is to poach the fish slowly over low heat. Toss in nutrient-rich shallots and tomatoes, and you have the perfect low-cholesterol meal.

Apple Slaw

When you think of a slaw recipe, you probably think about the prevalence of celery in the recipe. Although celery remains an integral component of this recipe, slices of fresh apples represent the real cholesterol-lowering star. Apples contain high amounts of pectin, which is a highly effective type of substance in reducing cholesterol levels. Adding walnuts to this recipe blocks the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Beef and Broccoli

As a staple in kitchens throughout the world, beef and broccoli can be a meal that helps you decrease cholesterol levels. However, you have to cook low-saturated fat flank steak in a pressure cooker to enjoy the heart-healthy benefits of this meal. Adding broccoli can help you reduce LDL cholesterol levels, as well as boost the amount of good cholesterol that pumps into the heart.

Heart-Healthy Menus at the MorningStar Assisted Living Facility

One of the primary goals at our assisted living facility in Rio Rancho, NM involves helping residents maintain healthy lifestyles. Discover how our dieticians and nutritionists create menus with items that are low in cholesterol by scheduling a tour of our senior housing facility.