Courtesy Fropky
High cholesterol continues to afflict countless of individuals. However, studies have now shown that high cholesterol can be treated with a number of healthy foods. The National Institute of Nutrition recommends that every individual should consume at least 300 g of vegetables (50 gms of green leafy vegetable, 200 gms of other vegetables and 50 gms of root vegetables) and 100 gms of fruit daily. We have listed the top 23 foods that will fight the evil.
Beans and lentils help lower cholesterol
Beans, lentils and peas are good source of soluble fibre which helps lower cholesterol levels. Beans and pulses are high in fibre, high in protein and low in fat. Beans also contain lecithin, a nutrient that also helps in lowering it.
Fish (Omega-3) helps lower Cholesterol
Fish like Salmon, Tuna, Halibut are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that has many heart protective properties and also helps improve your blood cholesterol profile.. Just be sure to bake or grill the fish, not fry it.
Grains and Oats help lower Cholesterol
Soluble fiber found in oats and oat bran, barley, brown rice, helps lower Cholesterol. Soluble fiber binds to bile acids and cholesterol an helps their excretion. Beans, apples, carrots also contain soluble fiber.
Nuts help lower Cholesterol
Nuts contain plant sterols and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which lower the LDL (bad) cholesterol. Nuts (Almonds, Walnuts, Pistachio, Pecans) are rich in heart healthy – fiber, Vitamin E and Selenium.
Fibre in fruits help lower cholesterol
Apples, Pears, Oranges and Grapefruit contain soluble fibre, which helps lower cholesterol. Include other soluble fibre rich foods such as psyllium, barley, apples, pears, kidney beans.
Antioxidants prevents cholesterol damage
Fruits like Blueberries, Cranberries and Grapes, protect LDL (bad) Cholesterol from being damaged. Only damaged Cholesterol forms sticky plaques that may lead to development of Atherosclerosis and increase risk of heart disease.
Walnuts help lower cholesterol
Walnuts contain monounsaturated fats that helps reduce total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fats and antioxidants in Walnuts work to reverse the arterial damage caused by saturated fats.
Garlic helps lower cholesterol
Many studies have demonstrated that eating garlic regularly reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and raises HDL (good) level as it conains active substance called Allicin.
Apples help lower cholesterol
Apple is rich in Pectin (fibre), powerful antioxidants like quercetin, catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid that help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and help increase HDL (good) levels.
Green, leafy vegetables help lower cholesterol
According to many studies individuals who 4 or more servings of fruits and vegetables have lower LDL cholesterol levels than those who ate fewer servings. Eat dark green, leafy of veeguies like Spinach, Collard greens and Swiss chard.
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