Last Updated on February, 2025
With the increase of people with cardiovascular diseases, everyone is more concerned about what they put into their bodies. Cardiovascular disease has become the leading cause of death in the US.
The World Health Organization (WHO) states that high cholesterol levels contribute to over 50% of cardiovascular diseases globally. Approximately 20% of American adults have high cholesterol levels.
Given such data, you must focus on managing cholesterol levels through your food intake. For example, meal replacement shakes to lower cholesterol are ideal for people at risk of coronary disease.
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What are Cholesterol-Reducing Meal Replacement Shakes?
Cholesterol-reducing meal replacement shakes are made for those who already have high cholesterol or are at risk of developing such a condition. These shakes contain proteins, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, probiotics, and other essential nutrients.
One of the main features of cholesterol-reducing meal replacement shakes is the low-calorie levels. Therefore, it directly contributes to weight loss and managing cholesterol levels.
Drinking healthy meal replacement shakes reduces the calories and fat you consume, thereby helping to lower blood cholesterol levels.
Healthy Ingredients to Look for in Cholesterol-Reducing Meal Replacement Shakes
High-fat levels and calories directly contribute to an increase in blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on the ingredients list of the meal replacement shake you drink.
Here are some healthy ingredients for meal replacement shakes to lower cholesterol.
Proteins
Protein is the main ingredient in meal replacement shakes. Generally, meal replacement shakes contain a high amount of proteins to keep you energetic. Choose a meal replacement shake with 15-30 g of protein per serving.
Whey protein and soy protein help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of coronary disease. So look for these ingredients in your meal replacement shake.
Carbs
Carbs are an essential part of a balanced and nutritious diet. Carbs act as the fuel your body requires to function. (1)
Aim for approximately 10-20 g of carbs per serving in your meal replacement shake.
Fiber
Fiber is essential to keep you full and aid the digestive process. Fiber reduces the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. It also reduces the LDL cholesterol level. Look for meal replacement shakes with 3-5 g of fiber per serving. (2)
Calories
High-calorie foods can increase cholesterol levels. Many meal replacement shakes with a high-calorie count can even go up to 300 calories per serving.
If you have cholesterol, you should choose a meal replacement shake with a calorie count of 100-150 per serving. Don’t exceed 200 calories per serving, as it could put you at risk of high cholesterol levels.
Ingredients to Avoid in Cholesterol-Reducing Meal Replacement Shakes
When choosing the best meal replacement shake, keep an eye out for potential ingredients that could cause harm than do good. For example, cholesterol-reducing meal replacement shakes should not contain the following unhealthy ingredients.
- Added sugar
- Artificial sweeteners such as sucralose and aspartame
- Thickening agents, including maltodextrin
- Artificial flavoring, preservatives, or coloring
- Corn syrup
- Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils
- Stabilizers such as xanthan gum
Here’s a list of more worst ingredients to look out in a meal replacement shake.
Benefits of Meal Replacement Shakes for Cholesterol Patients
As a cholesterol patient, you gain many health benefits by drinking meal replacement shakes.
Weight loss
Meal replacement shakes to lower cholesterol have low-calorie counts, which prevents you from gaining weight. In addition, the nutrient compounds in these shakes can help you lose weight.
Weight loss is associated with an increase in HDL (good cholesterol) and a decrease in LDL (bad cholesterol). (3)
Essential nutrients
Meal replacement shakes contain all the essential nutrients your body requires for healthy functioning. These include proteins, fiber, carbs, and vitamins and minerals.
Meal replacement shakes to lower cholesterol have the correct amount of each of these nutrients that help reduce LDL cholesterol levels in your blood.
Satiating
Cholesterol-reducing meal replacement shakes are high in fiber, which keeps you feeling full for longer without going high on calories. It happens because high-fiber foods take longer to digest in your body.
This satiation keeps you from overeating or craving fatty foods that can increase your cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
A meal replacement shake is a good alternative for a healthy meal, especially for those who have cholesterol and are at risk of coronary disease.
However, you need to be mindful of choosing shakes with healthy ingredients. For example, avoid shakes containing artificial sweeteners, preservatives, coloring, and flavors.
If you follow these tips, you can maintain your cholesterol levels by drinking meal replacement shakes.
FAQs
REFERENCES:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/carbohydrate-functions
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/cholesterol/art-20045192
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2864614/
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