Manage High Cholesterol with the Right Food

Manage High Cholesterol with the Right Food

Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in the bloodstream, which, when increased from its normal amount, can lead to health issues. There are two kinds of cholesterol, the good cholesterol called HDL and the bad cholesterol called LDL. An increase in LDL leads to complications like stroke, heart attack, or other cardiovascular diseases. Food and nutrition are extremely important in keeping high cholesterol in check, so let’s look at the best food tips.

1. Unsaturated fats
Fats found in foods like olives, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish are the good kind. Unsaturated fats do not clog together to create blockage in the system but remain liquid and flowy even at room temperature. This makes them good for our system, and according to studies, those who include these in their diet have lower cholesterol levels.

2. Soluble fiber
Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol in a very interesting manner. This kind of fiber is difficult to break down easily, so it travels through the body absorbing water and bile. Bile is a substance that is produced by the liver to help the body digest fats easily. Now, this bile is made out of cholesterol that your liver extracts from the bloodstream. As it gets done with this digestive function, it mixes with fiber and is then excreted in the form of stool. This process helps keep cholesterol levels in check. Foods like beans, legumes, whole grains, and flax are good examples.

3. Rainbow plate
A food plate containing a mix of vegetables and fruits is the best way to keep your cholesterol levels low. The nutrients and vitamins in colorful vegetables help the digestive system stay healthy, keeping all other systems in check. They are also a rich source of antioxidants that prevent bad cholesterol from getting oxidized and forming plaques in the bloodstream. This keeps the arteries clog-free and fluid. Apples, citrus fruits, and green leafy vegetables should be included.

4. Herbs
Herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, and turmeric have been studied for years by researchers to conclude they have medicinal properties that are good for our bodies. They contain some of the highest amounts of antioxidants which help keep LDL in check in the body and keep our arteries clog-free. According to some research, consuming one garlic clove a day for 90 days at a stretch was enough to reduce the cholesterol levels in the body by nine percent. Other herbs like mint, thyme, close, cinnamon, sage, and oregano are also good sources of natural remedies to keep the body healthy.

5. Mediterranean diet
A researched study shows that this diet which contains good fats like olive oil, fibers from fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, less red meat, and dairy, is good for the human system. This diet is especially good for those struggling to keep their cholesterol in check.