Vegetarian Diet for High Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure

If you are battling high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease, dietary changes are often a first line of defense. While you may hear a lot of conflicting information about what diet is best, more and more people are considering a vegetarian diet for cholesterol and blood pressure control. There are many variations on vegetarian diets and smart food choices are important, even when you do not eat meat. This is especially true if you are using your diet to battle serious health issues.

What is a Vegetarian Diet?

A vegetarian diet is one that avoids meat products. Someone who does not eat meat or poultry but does eat fish and seafood is a pescetarian, while vegetarians who avoid eggs, dairy products and other animal foods are vegan. Each of these variations on vegetarianism can be healthy and offer an easy opportunity to create a diet that is naturally lower in fat and cholesterol than a meat-based diet. Many vegetarians naturally eat more whole grains, fruits and vegetables than individuals who eat a more standard American diet.

Benefits

According to the American Heart Association, vegetarian diets are lower in total fat, cholesterol and saturated fat than nonvegetarian diets. Moreover, multiple studies have shown a lower risk of obesity, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes in vegetarians than nonvegetarians. Keep in mind that even a vegetarian diet can be unhealthy. Choose low fat foods, eat a wide variety of foods and opt of low fat or fat free dairy products for a healthy balance and to reduce your blood pressure and cholesterol.

What Do Vegetarians Eat?

If you opt for a vegetarian diet to control high cholesterol and high blood pressure, you can continue to eat a varied and delicious diet. Consider ethnic foods, many of which are naturally vegetarian. Explore new vegetables and new ways of preparing vegetables. You can get protein from low fat dairy products, soy foods, beans and legumes and small amounts of nuts, as well as whole grains. There are many vegetarian cookbooks on the market, ranging from gourmet options to quick cooking healthy meals.