Nature's Heart Healers

Courtesy of Prevention

Nature's Top 10
Fortified products may offer a heftier dose, but these natural foods have some sterols plus other benefits:

1. Corn oil - It's a good source of healthy polyunsaturated fat, which helps cut cholesterol. 0.13 g* per 1 Tbsp

2. Sunflower oil - High in monounsaturated fat, it lowers risk of heart disease and provides nutrients to keep cells healthy. 0.1 g* per 1 Tbsp

3. Beans
- They're full of fiber; studies show fiber-rich foods help lower your heart attack risk. 0.07 g* per 1/2 c

4. Corn - It contains folate, a B vitamin that reduces damage to blood vessels. 0.06 g* per 1/2 c

5. Peanut Butter - The protein keeps you feeling full, which helps keep weight in check. 0.05 g* per 2 Tbsp

6. Olive Oil - An excellent source of good monounsaturated fats, which help lower bad LDL cholesterol and raise good HDL cholesterol. 0.03 g* per 1 Tbsp

7. Almonds - The monounsaturated fats and vitamin E work together to cut cholesterol. 0.02 g* per 1 oz

8. Orange - This fruit is an excellent source of immune-boosting vitamin C. 0.02 g* per 1 small

9. Apple - It provides filling, waist-friendly fiber. 0.01 g* per 1 small

10. Avocado - Known for the monounsaturated fat, it also contains potassium to help regulate blood pressure. 0.008 g* per 1 oz

*Amount of natural sterols present.

Sterols at the Supermarket
The National Institutes of Health advises getting 2 g daily of plant sterols and stanols from fortified foods like these to lower your cholesterol.

Dairy Aisle
1. Promise Activ Super Shots (serving size: 3 oz)
Sterol: 2 g
Cal: 70
Fat: 3.5 g (0 g sat fat)
Fiber: Less than 1 g

2. Lifetime Low Fat Block Cheddar (serving size: 1 oz)
Sterol: 0.65 g
Cal: 55
Fat: 2.5 g (1 g sat fat)
Fiber: 1 g

3. Lifetime Low Fat Cheese Singles (serving size: 1 slice)
Sterol: 0.65 g
Cal: 30
Fat: 1 g (0.5 g sat fat)
Fiber: 0 g

4. Kroger Active Lifestyle Fat Free Milk (serving size: 8 oz)
Sterol: 0.4 g
Cal: 90
Fat: 0 g
Fiber: 0 g

Juices and Drinks
5. CocoaVia Rich Chocolate Indulgence Beverage (serving size: 5.65 oz)
Sterol: 1.1 g
Cal: 150
Fat: 3 g (1 g sat fat)
Fiber: 3 g

6. Minute Maid Premium Heart Wise Orange Juice (serving size: 8 oz)
Sterol: 1 g
Cal: 110
Fat: 0 g
Fiber: Less than 1 g

7. Rice Dream Heartwise Vanilla Rice Milk (serving size: 8 oz)
Sterol: 0.65 g
Cal: 140
Fat: 2 g
Fiber: 3 g

Bread
8. Thomas' Hearty Grains Oatmeal and Honey English Muffins (serving size: 1 muffin) bagels also available
Sterol: 0.4 g
Cal: Up to 290
Fat: Up to 2 g (up to 0.5 g sat fat)
Fiber: Up to 3 g

9. Vitamuffin Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Vita Top (serving size: 1 muffin top)
Sterol: 0.4 g
Cal: 100
Fat: 1.5 g (0.5 g sat fat)
Fiber: 6 g

Snacks
10. Right Direction Cookies (serving size: 1 cookie)
Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin available
Sterol: 1.3 g
Cal: Up to 150
Fat: Up to 6 g (up to 2 g sat fat)
Fiber: Up to 6 g

11. CocoaVia Chocolate Covered Almonds (serving size: 1 oz)
Sterol: 1.1 g
Cal: 140
Fat: 11 g (3.5 g sat fat)
Fiber: 3 g

12. Nature Valley Healthy Heart Chewy Honey-Nut Granola Bar (serving size: 1 bar)
Sterol: 0.4 g
Cal: 160
Fat: 4 g (0.5 g sat fat)
Fiber: 3 g

13. Corazonas Tortilla Chips (serving size: 1 oz)
Sterol: 0.4 g
Cal: 140
Fat: 7 g (0.5 g sat fat)
Fiber: 3 g

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