Limited amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are used as replacements for saturated fats. Calories need to be adjusted to achieve or maintain desired body weight. Lean meat, fish, skinless poultry, non- or lowfat dairy products are included. Fatty meat, organ meats, egg yolks and cheese are limited. Foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain products and legumes are emphasized.
Dietary treatment is the primary treatment for elevated serum cholesterol.
Another goal of therapy is to maintain a nutritionally adequate eating pattern. Cholesterol is found only in animal products. Saturated fats are often solid at room temperature and are usually found in animal products, such as meats, poultry, butter, cheese and ice cream. Plant sources of saturated fats include palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil. Polyunsaturated fats are usually liquid at room temperature and are found in safflower, sunflower, com, soybean and cottonseed oils.