Ten percent of American adults have high cholesterol. If you’re one of them, that may put you at greater risk for developing heart disease. Of course, certain risk factors for high cholesterol, like family history and age, may be out of your control. However, there are steps you can take, like staying physically active and eating a heart-friendly diet, that may lower those numbers.
If you’re a Costco shopper trying to keep your cholesterol in check, you’ll be glad to know that Costco has loads of foods that may help. Many require minimal prep work and can be incorporated throughout your day to support heart health. That’s why we’re sharing the best foods to buy at Costco for high cholesterol, plus easy tips to work them into your day.
How to Choose Foods for Healthy Cholesterol
Whether you have high cholesterol or just want to prevent it, the American Heart Association recommends eating lots of fiber-rich foods and replacing saturated fat with beneficial unsaturated fats.
Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is an excellent way to add more fiber to your day. Nuts and seeds are also a great source of fiber and provide plant-based protein and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
To reduce saturated fat, opt for lean proteins like beans, tofu, lentils and white-meat poultry. It also helps to cook with liquid vegetable oils like canola or olive oil instead of solid fats like butter or lard. Eating a couple of weekly servings of fish is also a good move, as fish is low in saturated fat. And fatty fish, like salmon, are an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
7 Foods to Buy at Costco If You Have High Cholesterol
Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts
Nuts are one of the best foods for cholesterol and heart health. Studies show that higher nut consumption is linked with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. So, it’s no surprise that the AHA recommends nuts as part of a heart-friendly eating plan. Eating just 56 grams (about 2 ounces) of nuts per day has been shown to significantly lower total cholesterol and unfavorable LDL cholesterol.
To add more nuts to your day, munch on them as a snack, toss them into trail mix, or sprinkle them on oatmeal or yogurt. Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts are a great place to start. They contain a tasty blend of cashews, almonds, pistachios and pecans. And they’re chock-full of heart-healthy fats, fiber and plant protein.
Kirkland Signature Whole Grain Rolled Oats
Oats are our No. 1 favorite food for lowering cholesterol. They contain a special type of soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which whisks cholesterol building blocks out of your body when you poop. That, in turn, impairs your body’s ability to synthesize cholesterol.
Kirkland Signature Whole Grain Rolled Oats have one simple ingredient: Oats. This whole grain delivers 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per serving. They’re a breeze for making overnight oats, adding to smoothies or, of course, hot cereal. Add mixed nuts to any of these oat-based dishes for even more cholesterol-lowering action.
Goya Black Beans
Pulses, including black beans, are packed with cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. But that’s just the beginning. Regularly eating pulses, like beans, has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, triglycerides and inflammation. ,
That’s why we’re huge fans of canned Goya Black Beans. Each ½-cup serving packs 6 grams of fiber and 8 grams of lean plant protein, yet no saturated fat. Plus, they require no cooking, so they’re a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Kirkland Signature Frozen Farmed Atlantic Salmon
The AHA recommends eating fatty fish like salmon twice per week for its beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. These heart-supporting unsaturated fats have been shown to help lower inflammation and cholesterol.
There’s another bonus to keeping Kirkland Signature Frozen Farmed Atlantic Salmon on hand. You can get your salmon fix without worrying that fresh salmon will spoil in your fridge before you have a chance to cook it. The fillets are individually packaged, so all you have to do is thaw and cook them. Try them in our 5-Ingredient Miso-Glazed Salmon (it takes just 15 minutes to make!).
Imperial Garden Organic Edamame
A large body of research finds that soy products like edamame can help lower cholesterol, thanks to their heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats and powerful plant compounds called isoflavones. It’s so effective that eating 25 grams of soy protein per day is linked with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
Next time you’re in the freezer section, toss a bag of Imperial Garden Organic Edamame into your shopping cart. It’s great for quick snacks and is an easy way to pump up the protein in stir-fries and rice dishes. Each serving has 4 grams of fiber and 12 grams of plant protein.
Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranates are full of fiber and powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Studies show that consuming pomegranates may reduce undesirable LDL cholesterol and increase beneficial HDL cholesterol. Plus, they’ve been shown to lower blood pressure. So, grab a bottle (or two!) of Pom Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice to drink with breakfast or to use in a delicious mocktail to end the day.
Kirkland Signature Organic Chunky Guacamole
Avocados are rich in fiber, unsaturated fat and antioxidants. So, they’re a tasty way to lower your heart disease risk. They’re so helpful that one study found that eating an avocado daily helped lower LDL and total cholesterol.
Kirkland Signature Organic Chunky Guacamole is a great way to get the health benefits of avocados whenever you want. It’s made with organic Hass avocados, making it a super-convenient food for healthy cholesterol. And each convenient prepackaged cup boasts 4 grams of fiber. No more waiting for a whole avocado to reach perfect ripeness!
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re trying to lower your cholesterol or just want to be proactive, Costco has a bunch of foods that can help. From mixed nuts to prepared guacamole to black beans and more, you’ll find foods full of heart-healthy antioxidants, fiber and unsaturated fats. So, next time you’re at Costco, bring a list of these foods with you to stock up. They’re easy to incorporate throughout the day, from breakfast to your evening snack!
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