Why Heart Health with High Cholesterol Requires Special Attention
Pursuing Heart Health while managing High Cholesterol requires a thoughtful nutritional approach. This guide provides evidence-based recommendations for foods that support your Heart Health goals without compromising High Cholesterol management.
Heart Health Requirements
Heart health benefits from foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, potassium, and magnesium while limiting saturated fats and sodium.
- Focus on nutrient-dense foods
- Balance macronutrients
- Stay hydrated
High Cholesterol Considerations
High cholesterol management involves limiting saturated and trans fats while increasing soluble fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Choose condition-friendly foods
- Limit processed foods
- Monitor portions
๐ฏ The Perfect Balance
The key is selecting foods that score highly for Heart Health while being safe and beneficial for High Cholesterol. Our ranked list below shows foods that excel at both, with combined scores indicating their dual suitability.
Best Foods for Heart Health with High Cholesterol
These foods support Heart Health while being safe and beneficial for High Cholesterol:
| Rank | Food | Heart Health Score | High Cholesterol Score | Combined Score | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oats |
95/100
|
95/100
|
95/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 95/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (95/100) |
| 2 | Anchovies (Canned in Oil) |
94/100
|
92/100
|
93/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 94/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (92/100) |
| 3 | Natto |
96/100
|
89/100
|
93/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 96/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (89/100) |
| 4 | Sardines |
95/100
|
90/100
|
93/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 95/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (90/100) |
| 5 | Hazelnuts (Raw) |
92/100
|
91/100
|
92/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 92/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (91/100) |
| 6 | Mackerel (Atlantic) |
96/100
|
88/100
|
92/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 96/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (88/100) |
| 7 | Hemp Hearts |
93/100
|
86/100
|
90/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 93/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (86/100) |
| 8 | Macadamia Nuts (Raw) |
91/100
|
89/100
|
90/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 91/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (89/100) |
| 9 | Salmon |
95/100
|
85/100
|
90/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 95/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 10 | Black Beans (Cooked) |
89/100
|
88/100
|
89/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 89/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (88/100) |
| 11 | Avocado |
90/100
|
85/100
|
88/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 90/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 12 | Flaxseeds (Ground) |
90/100
|
85/100
|
88/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 90/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 13 | Hemp Seeds (Hearts) |
92/100
|
84/100
|
88/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 92/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (84/100) |
| 14 | Mung Beans |
87/100
|
88/100
|
88/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 87/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (88/100) |
| 15 | Oyster Mushrooms |
87/100
|
89/100
|
88/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 87/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (89/100) |
| 16 | Pistachios (Roasted, Unsalted) |
88/100
|
88/100
|
88/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 88/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (88/100) |
| 17 | Pomegranate |
90/100
|
85/100
|
88/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 90/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 18 | Walnuts |
90/100
|
85/100
|
88/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 90/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 19 | Aรงaรญ (Frozen) |
89/100
|
84/100
|
87/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 89/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (84/100) |
| 20 | Artichokes (Globe) |
85/100
|
89/100
|
87/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (89/100) |
| 21 | Cacao Nibs (Raw) |
89/100
|
85/100
|
87/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 89/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 22 | Cashews (Raw, Unsalted) |
89/100
|
84/100
|
87/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 89/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (84/100) |
| 23 | Buckwheat (Cooked Groats) |
89/100
|
82/100
|
86/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 89/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (82/100) |
| 24 | Edamame (Young Soybeans) |
85/100
|
86/100
|
86/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (86/100) |
| 25 | Pecans (Raw) |
86/100
|
86/100
|
86/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 86/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (86/100) |
| 26 | Almonds |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 27 | Blueberries |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 28 | Broccoli |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 29 | Chia Seeds |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 30 | Dark Chocolate (70-85% cacao) |
90/100
|
80/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 90/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (80/100) |
| 31 | Garlic |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 32 | Green Tea |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 33 | Kale |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 34 | Lentils |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 35 | Tempeh |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 36 | Tiger Nuts |
87/100
|
83/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 87/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (83/100) |
| 37 | Tofu (Firm) |
85/100
|
85/100
|
85/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (85/100) |
| 38 | Strawberries |
87/100
|
80/100
|
84/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 87/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (80/100) |
| 39 | Sunflower Seeds (Kernels) |
85/100
|
82/100
|
84/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (82/100) |
| 40 | Brussels Sprouts |
85/100
|
80/100
|
83/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (80/100) |
| 41 | Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) |
79/100
|
87/100
|
83/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 79/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (87/100) |
| 42 | Raspberries (Fresh) |
84/100
|
82/100
|
83/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 84/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (82/100) |
| 43 | Tuna (Yellowfin, Fresh) |
84/100
|
82/100
|
83/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 84/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (82/100) |
| 44 | Kiwi (Green, Fresh) |
81/100
|
82/100
|
82/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 81/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (82/100) |
| 45 | Matcha Green Tea Powder |
82/100
|
81/100
|
82/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 82/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (81/100) |
| 46 | Wakame Seaweed |
83/100
|
79/100
|
81/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 83/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (79/100) |
| 47 | Shiitake Mushrooms |
80/100
|
80/100
|
80/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 80/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (80/100) |
| 48 | Spinach |
85/100
|
75/100
|
80/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 85/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (75/100) |
| 49 | Black Sesame Seeds |
79/100
|
76/100
|
78/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 79/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (76/100) |
| 50 | Oranges |
80/100
|
75/100
|
78/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 80/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (75/100) |
| 51 | Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) |
80/100
|
75/100
|
78/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 80/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (75/100) |
| 52 | Figs (Fresh) |
82/100
|
72/100
|
77/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 82/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (72/100) |
| 53 | Kohlrabi (Raw) |
77/100
|
76/100
|
77/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 77/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (76/100) |
| 54 | Kelp |
76/100
|
76/100
|
76/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 76/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (76/100) |
| 55 | Brazil Nuts |
76/100
|
74/100
|
75/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 76/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (74/100) |
| 56 | Cabbage (Green, Raw) |
76/100
|
74/100
|
75/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 76/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (74/100) |
| 57 | Ginger Root (Fresh) |
76/100
|
74/100
|
75/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 76/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (74/100) |
| 58 | Yellow Bell Peppers (Raw) |
78/100
|
71/100
|
75/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 78/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (71/100) |
| 59 | Mango (Fresh) |
74/100
|
73/100
|
74/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 74/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (73/100) |
| 60 | Brown Rice (Cooked) |
74/100
|
71/100
|
73/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 74/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (71/100) |
| 61 | Red Bell Peppers |
75/100
|
70/100
|
73/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 75/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (70/100) |
| 62 | Cantaloupe (Muskmelon) |
76/100
|
66/100
|
71/100
|
Supports Heart Health with 76/100 score while being beneficial for High Cholesterol (66/100) |
Track Your Progress with Nutrivio
Use Nutrivio to log foods that support Heart Health while managing High Cholesterol. Get personalized recommendations based on your health profile.
Sample Meal Plan: Heart Health with High Cholesterol
A balanced day of eating that supports both Heart Health and High Cholesterol management:
Breakfast
Why this meal: High protein and fiber to support Heart Health while keeping blood sugar stable for High Cholesterol
Lunch
Why this meal: Balanced macros with lean protein and complex carbs to sustain energy and support High Cholesterol management
Dinner
Why this meal: Omega-3s and antioxidants support Heart Health while being gentle on High Cholesterol
Snacks
Why this meal: Healthy fats and fiber for satiety and steady energy throughout the day
Daily Nutritional Summary
Practical Tips for Success
Meal Timing
- Eat at consistent times to support both goals
- Don't skip meals - this can impact both energy and condition management
- Consider smaller, more frequent meals if it helps with digestion
Shopping Strategies
- Plan meals weekly to ensure variety and balance
- Read nutrition labels carefully for hidden sugars and sodium
- Buy fresh produce in season for better quality and value
Cooking Methods
- Use herbs and spices instead of salt for flavor
- Grill, bake, or steam instead of frying
- Prep vegetables in advance to make healthy choices easier
Meal Prep Ideas
- Cook proteins in bulk for quick assembly during the week
- Pre-portion snacks to avoid overeating
- Keep emergency healthy meals in the freezer
โ๏ธ Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. High Cholesterol requires ongoing medical supervision. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes, especially when managing High Cholesterol while pursuing Heart Health.
Individual nutritional needs vary based on age, sex, activity level, medications, and the severity of High Cholesterol. What works for one person may not be appropriate for another.