An increase in blood cholesterol levels can increase the risks for a variety of heart conditions. Surprisingly, there are several high-fat snack items eaten on a regular day that can increase cholesterol levels. Most of the fried snacks and processed food items fall into this category. When it comes to understanding the relationship between high cholesterol and foods, here are some of the snack options that you can safely consume without regrets.

High cholesterol and foods: Snacks to include

1. Chickpeas
Chickpeas can be consumed in so many ways. One of the tastiest ways to have chickpeas as snacks would be to slow roast them in an oven. You can also add black pepper, a dash of salt, and some dried herbs for flavor.

2. Nuts
These are the kind of snacks you might like when you are extremely hungry. Nuts like walnuts and almonds are loaded with good fats that are required by the body, and they also help in lowering the cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Having a box of crunchy nuts in your bag will be a good way to tackle sudden hunger pangs without grabbing some unhealthy snacks.

3. Apples
Fruits, in general, are healthy snack items. Given the relationship between high cholesterol and foods, having a bowl of cut fruits or even a single apple will help in satiating hunger without increasing the cholesterol levels.

4. Oatmeal
When you are at home and you feel the urge to grab some unhealthy snacks, have a bowl of oatmeal instead. Add some nuts to make it extra delicious. This will be a quick and easy meal that is perfect for hunger pangs and extra energy.

5. Kale chips
Another ingredient that tastes great when slow-roasted in the oven would be kale chips. These can be wonderful alternatives to a bag of potato chips, which can be very bad for your health in case you have high cholesterol levels.

6. Celery sticks
These are very popular as snack options for little kids but they also make wonderful choices for people with high cholesterol levels. You can always use a hummus dip or spread some nut butter on it to make it more enjoyable.

7. Granola bars
Store-bought granola bars might be loaded with sugars and additives. Instead, you can quickly prepare some low-fat variants without sweeteners. These are great snack options for those times when you need a quick energy boost. They are also loaded with dietary fiber, which can be effective in lowering your blood cholesterol levels.

The connection between high cholesterol and foods is strong, and therefore, monitoring your diet is the first step to lowering these levels. It is highly recommended to add these food items to your meal plans on a regular basis, but in case of any doubts, it is best to consult a nutritionist.