High Cholesterol & High Blood Pressure Diet

High cholesterol means too much cholesterol in your blood, which can adhere to the insides of your blood vessels' walls, collect, and eventually block blood flow. High blood pressure places stress on the heart and increases the chances of blocked or ruptured blood vessels. A healthy diet can help reduce the harmful effects of these conditions.

Significance

High cholesterol and high blood pressure can lead to heart disease.

Function

Cholesterol levels are affected negatively by high-fat animal products and hydrogenated vegetable products, such as certain vegetable oils and margarine. High blood pressure is affected negatively by too much sodium and caffeine and too little calcium, as well as by high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes.

Features

Avoid foods fried in hydrogenated vegetable oils, such as French fries; foods high in animal fats, including butter and full-fat dairy; high-sodium foods; caffeinated foods and drinks; commercial baked goods made with trans fats. Eat more high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, dark greens and beans.

Effects

Omega-3 fatty acids can help remove cholesterol from the body's blood supply.

Considerations

Because high blood pressure is affected by obesity and diabetes, it's best to avoid foods that negatively affect your weight and blood sugar.

Warnings

The FDA requires food retailers to note on packaging when food contains trans fatty acids, but in many places, restaurants are not required to reveal this information. If you are concerned about trans fats in your diet, ask the restaurant for that information.