Apples and Peanut Butter
Apples are rich in natural fiber, and fiber is an absolute must in any healthy diet. These colorful fruits can actually help lower cholesterol. On top of that, the skin is rich in antioxidants. Your choice of apple will change what antioxidants you can get out of it since colors are a great indicator of the benefits. Mix it up. The more colors in your diet, the wider the variety of vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants. Apples also have a natural ability to clean teeth. Peanut butter is a wonderful source of protein. However, some peanut butter can be pretty high in fat. If you can find a leaner or completely natural option, that would be best.
Carrot Sticks and Hummus
Carrots pack a powerful punch when it comes to boosting your immune system. They’re potent sources of Vitamin A, which improve your eyesight, helps your skin, and strengthens your natural defenses. In addition to Vitamin A, carrots have Vitamin C. Those two vitamins together give your immune system that extra pop it needs. Also, Vitamin K is present, which helps to promote good texture and consistency of blood. Add in the fiber that carrots bring, and it’s a wonder people don’t eat them more often. Pairing them with hummus not only gives them plenty of taste and texture but even more benefits. Hummus, which is made from chickpeas, is loaded with fiber. Chickpeas also have some protein. This snack is quite the little kicker when it comes to benefits.
Whole Wheat Pita and Bean Dip
Pitas are naturally low in fat, and making sure they’re whole wheat means that they have fewer empty calories and more fiber. Topping your whole wheat pita with bean dip brings in some great benefits. Beans have protein and fiber, which are both necessary in a healthy meal plan. Beans also bring iron and potassium, which are both necessary for blood health. In fact, potassium helps counteract sodium in the bloodstream and maintains proper pH and salt levels in the body.
Trail Mix
Not only is this mix delicious, but it’s customizable. Fit your trail mix to your tastes. Depending on any variety of nuts, dry fruit, granola, dry yogurt, and other ingredients, you can have whatever blend of benefits you desire. A lot of people like to mix their own, adding more or less of a specific ingredient to match their needs and tastes. It’s not hard, and trail mixes often keep for quite a while, which means you can make a large amount at one time.
Almond Butter Health Bar
Like most nuts, almonds are very, very healthy in moderation. They’re full of manganese, which supports bone and nerve health. The best part of manganese is that it helps the body process fat and cholesterol. While many people think almonds are tasty on their own, including them in snack bars is a great way to bring in more flavors and benefits. Almond butter is also good a way to mix it up.
Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips with Salsa (Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions, Beans, Corn)
Baking your own tortilla chips is a good way to get the benefits of a corn product without all the salt and oil of processed commercial chips. Corn is a source of dietary fiber, but also natural chemicals like folate, which is good for your skin and blood. Your salsa is where most of the benefits come in, though. Those tomatoes have lycopene, an antioxidant that’s very helpful for cellular health. Lycopene also prevents some of cholesterol’s chemical reactions, which helps to reduce risks of atherosclerosis, or narrowing of the arteries. The benefits of the peppers change depending on what type of pepper you use (based on color and species). Onions are good sources of chromium, which helps to regulate cholesterol levels within the body. Onions also have Vitamin C, for a healthy immune system. Those beans are great for fiber and protein, both of which are valuable. Tied all together, this can make one tasty snack.
Dried Fruit
Depending on your choices, the benefits of this snack vary. Be sure to shop for fruit without sugar added, as the sweetened dried fruits are often high in fat. Some dried fruits also have artificial flavors added, so try to avoid those. As long as you go all-natural, this snack will be both tasty and beneficial.
Handful of Almonds
As stated above, almonds are a must-have for a healthy diet. They’re especially necessary when the goal of a meal plan is to lower or maintain cholesterol levels. Because they’re rich in manganese, they’re very beneficial for your heart health. Almonds are also beneficial to bone and nerve health, as well.
Flavored, Roasted Soy Nuts
Soy nuts are a tasty way to receive the benefits of soy. They are roasted soybeans, and their texture and taste are not too different from that of roasted peanuts. Soy nuts come in a wide variety of flavors and go well in trail mixes and salads. They are also a good snack on their own. Soy is naturally rich in isoflavones. Isoflavones have been proven to lower the risk of heart disease. One thing to keep in mind with soy nuts, though, is that in excess they can be fattening. In this case, too much of a good thing can be bad.
Nutrim Smoothie
Smoothies are a delicious way to bring the benefits of fruits into a busy lifestyle. Adding Nutrim™ Oat Bran to a smoothie gives it that extra heart health boost. Adding one scoop of Nutrim™ to natural unsweetened apple juice, a whole frozen banana, and 3 frozen strawberries is a delicious treat. You won’t notice is the Nutrim™ taste, but you’ll receive all the advantages of cholesterol-lowering oat beta-glucans and a blend of fruit.
Flax Crackers
Flaxseeds have a mild, nutty flavor that goes well with just about anything. Creating crackers from these seeds is a great idea, since they’re so tasty and beneficial. Flax products are potent in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are a must-have for lowering cholesterol. They’re also rich in manganese and dietary fiber, which are both must-haves for a heart healthy meal plan. Flax crackers can be served with just about any type of topping, and come in several different variations. Salty, sweet, spicy, and tangy versions are all on the market. If you want to be creative, try making your own.
More Great Snack Ideas for Lowering Cholesterol
For more cholesterol-fighting snack ideas check out the Foodslowercholesterol.com website!