Ten percent of American adults have high cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease. While some risk factors, like family history and age, are beyond your control, you can take proactive steps to lower your cholesterol through regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet. If you’re a Costco shopper,
you’ll be pleased to know that the store offers a variety of easy-to-prepare foods that can help support your heart health. In this guide, we’ll share the best foods to buy at Costco for managing high cholesterol, along with simple tips for incorporating them into your daily meals.
Unsalted Mixed Nuts
Nuts are among the best foods for promoting heart health and managing cholesterol levels. Research indicates that increased nut consumption is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, which is why the American Heart Association recommends including them in a heart-healthy diet. Just 56 grams (about 2 ounces) of nuts daily can significantly reduce total cholesterol and harmful LDL cholesterol.
To incorporate more nuts into your diet, try snacking on them, adding them to trail mix, or sprinkling them over oatmeal or yogurt. A great option to consider is Kirkland Signature Extra Fancy Unsalted Mixed Nuts, which feature a delicious mix of cashews, almonds, pistachios, and pecans. They are packed with heart-healthy fats, fiber, and plant protein.
Salmon
The American Heart Association recommends consuming fatty fish, such as salmon, twice a week to benefit from its omega-3 fatty acids. These heart-healthy unsaturated fats have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels.
Having Kirkland Signature Frozen Farmed Atlantic Salmon on hand offers an added advantage: you can enjoy salmon without the worry of it spoiling in your fridge. The fillets are individually packaged, making it easy to thaw and cook whenever you're ready.
Whole Grain Rolled Oats
Oats are our top choice for lowering cholesterol. They contain a unique type of soluble fiber known as beta-glucan, which helps remove cholesterol-building blocks from your body during digestion. This process reduces your body's ability to produce cholesterol.
Kirkland Signature Whole Grain Rolled Oats are made from just one ingredient: oats. Each serving provides 5 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber, making them an excellent choice for overnight oats, smoothies, or hot cereal. For an extra boost in cholesterol-lowering benefits, consider adding mixed nuts to your oat creations.
Organic Edamame
Extensive research shows that soy products like edamame can help lower cholesterol levels, thanks to their heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats and beneficial plant compounds known as isoflavones. In fact, consuming 25 grams of soy protein daily is associated with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
The next time you're in the freezer aisle, consider picking up a bag of Imperial Garden Organic Edamame. It makes for a quick snack and is an easy way to boost the protein content in stir-fries and rice dishes. Each serving contains 4 grams of fiber and 12 grams of plant protein.
Black Beans
Pulses, such as black beans, are rich in cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. But their benefits don’t stop there; regularly consuming pulses has also been linked to reductions in blood pressure, triglycerides, and inflammation.
That's why we love canned Goya Black Beans. Each ½-cup serving contains 6 grams of fiber and 8 grams of lean plant protein, all with no saturated fat. Plus, they require no cooking, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights.