Low Cholesterol Diets for Seniors

Stick to Lean Meats

Start by eliminating red meats and those that contain high levels of saturated fat such as beef, pork and dark chicken meat. While goose and duck are poultry, they don't meet the cholesterol standard. Instead, purchase chicken or turkey white meat. Choose cuts without the skin or remove it before eating. Look for lean hot dogs and hamburgers made out of low-fat cuts of beef or turkey. Limit shrimp because it contains cholesterol, but feel free to indulge in fish, the best meat choice for a low-cholesterol diet. To further limit saturated fats, cook with canola, olive or sunflower oils instead of butter or vegetable oil.

Try to reduce consumption of meat by replacing it with alternatives high in protein and good fats. Sample the wide varieties of vegetarian hot dogs and hamburgers to find a product that tastes good. Prepare dry peas, beans and tofu in dishes that would normally feature meat. Tofu can even be marinated to take on the flavors of the recipe.

Beans not only provide the protein that would normally come from meat, they also add a large dose of fiber, one of the best remedies for high cholesterol. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble. While insoluble fiber promotes digestive health, it is soluble fiber that helps cholesterol levels. Some sources of soluble fiber besides beans include oat bran, oatmeal, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries and apple pulp. Eat the oatmeal hot, or find a cold cereal or granola that contains some.

Consuming foods with omega-3 fatty acids will also reduce cholesterol levels. Pick things that contain omega-3s and another cholesterol-fighting ingredient for double the power. For instance, salmon is both a lean meat and bearer of omega-3s. Almonds and flaxseed, on the other hand, contain both omega-3s and fiber. Add ground flaxseed to almost any baking recipe as a substitute for oil. Walnuts and tuna will also bring omega-3s into a diet.