Can people with hyperlipidemia eat walnuts?

Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
Updated on May 20, 2025
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People with hyperlipidemia can eat walnuts. Primarily, walnuts contain unsaturated fatty acids, which can lower plasma cholesterol levels, low-density lipoprotein levels, and increase high-density lipoprotein levels in the blood. However, as these unsaturated fatty acids are high in calories, excessive intake can lead to overweight or obesity. Therefore, even the unsaturated fatty acids in the diet should not be consumed in excess. Thus, people with hyperlipidemia can eat walnuts, but they should not consume them in large quantities. Moderate consumption is advised, as excessive intake could lead to excessive calories, causing obesity or overweight.

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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What fruits to eat for hyperlipidemia?

First, in adjusting the dietary structure for blood lipids, it is generally necessary to increase the intake of high-fiber foods. This is because it can increase the excretion of cholesterol in the intestines, reduce the absorption of cholesterol, and enhance the clearance of low-density lipoprotein, as well as reduce the synthesis of lipoproteins. Therefore, it can lower plasma cholesterol, especially the levels of low-density lipoprotein. Fruits contain abundant plant fibers, so it is advisable to consume a moderate amount of these fresh fruits in the diet. Of course, some cases of hyperlipidemia are related to obesity. Thus, for some high-calorie fruits such as grapes and watermelon, it is advised to limit their consumption. For example, consuming fruits like apples, cherries, and strawberries, which have relatively lower sugar content, might be better. Generally, all fruits can be eaten with hyperlipidemia, but the intake of fruits with high sugar content should be appropriately limited.

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Written by Luo Han Ying
Endocrinology
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What to eat for hyperlipidemia?

The definition of hyperlipidemia mainly depends on which type of lipid is elevated in the blood, the most common being hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Hypercholesterolemia is generally caused by abnormal metabolism in the body, and at this time, it is mainly necessary to take statin drugs to ensure that the blood lipids reach a normal value range. Because hypercholesterolemia usually accompanies hyper-low-density lipoproteinemia, the increase in low-density lipoprotein is damaging to the cardiovascular system. Another type of lipid disorder is hypertriglyceridemia, which in most cases is related to diet. Therefore, at this time, it is necessary to advise the patient to follow a low-fat diet, and if the triglycerides are greater than 4.5 mmol/L, it is advisable for the patient to take fibrate drugs to reduce lipids. (Please take medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Luo Juan
Endocrinology
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Can people with hyperlipidemia eat peanuts?

People with high blood lipids can eat peanuts. Peanuts contain a rich amount of unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial to the human body in proper amounts. Firstly, they can regulate blood lipids, reduce some harmful cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, effectively control the concentration of blood lipids, and can increase the content of beneficial high-density lipoproteins. Secondly, they can help clear blood clots, remove or alleviate the harm caused by animal fats from food, especially visceral fats, and prevent these lipid components from depositing on the walls of blood vessels to combat the formation and development of arteriosclerosis. Additionally, studies have shown that supplementing with DHA (an unsaturated fatty acid) can also enhance some of the body's immunity and improve self-immune function. Furthermore, it has some effects on improving arthritis or alleviating pain. Therefore, consuming peanuts in moderation is beneficial to the human body. However, peanuts are also high in calories, and excessive intake can lead to overweight or obesity, so they should not be consumed in excess and should be eaten in moderation.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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The harms of hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia mainly causes damage to the blood vessels throughout the body, easily leading to arteriosclerosis. In severe cases, plaques may form. This then affects the heart, potentially impacting the coronary arteries, leading to acute coronary syndrome or an acute myocardial infarction. It can also affect the cerebral vessels, possibly causing an acute cerebral infarction. When it affects the lower limb vessels, particularly in combination with diabetes, it can lead to diabetic lower limb vascular changes resulting in vascular occlusion and diabetic foot. Therefore, it is important to treat hyperlipidemia promptly.

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Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
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How to test for hyperlipidemia?

First, we can take a blood test to check our cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein levels. Second, we can also have a carotid ultrasound to look at the condition of the blood vessels, to see if there is high blood lipid levels, if it has affected the blood vessels, if there is arteriosclerosis, and if plaques have formed. If the diagnosis confirms these conditions, it is advised to control the diet and eat lightly. If diet control is insufficient, then it may be necessary to go to the hospital and choose lipid-lowering medication under the advice of a doctor.