Nutrition label guidance for managing high cholesterol

For individuals managing high cholesterol, reading nutrition labels effectively requires looking beyond the cholesterol content itself. Key indicators for managing LDL (bad) cholesterol include monitoring types of fat, fiber content, and portion sizes.

Consumers should prioritize comparing saturated fats rather than just total fats. For solid foods, 1.5g or less per 100g is considered low, while more than 5g is considered high. It is also important to check ingredient lists for trans fats, often listed as ‘partially hydrogenated’ oils, which should be avoided.

Additionally, seeking out soluble fiber from sources like oats, barley, beans, and lentils can help reduce LDL levels. While sugar intake affects heart health and triglycerides, it is not the primary indicator for lowering LDL cholesterol.