Foods That Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a serious problem that can lead to heart disease and other health problems. If you have high cholesterol, changing your diet to lower your levels is essential.

What is cholesterol, and why is it important to lower it?

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in the blood. Having some cholesterol in the body is essential, as it's necessary for various functions. However, too much cholesterol can be harmful and increase the risk of heart disease and other problems.

There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL.

• LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein, and it's the "bad" type of cholesterol that can build up on the walls of arteries and lead to blockages.
• HDL is high-density lipoprotein, the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL from the arteries.

The dangers of high cholesterol

Having high cholesterol can lead to several health problems. These include:

• Heart disease: High cholesterol is one of the main risk factors for heart disease. It can cause plaque buildup in the arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
• Kidney disease: Kidney disease can be caused by several factors, but high cholesterol is one of them. With kidney disease, the kidneys cannot filter blood properly, leading to several problems.
• High blood pressure: High cholesterol can contribute to high blood pressure. It can cause the arteries to narrow and make it more difficult for blood to flow through them.
• Diabetes: High cholesterol is a risk factor for diabetes, as it can damage the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
• Stroke: Strokes are caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain, and high cholesterol can contribute to this by causing the buildup of plaque in the arteries.
• Peripheral Vascular Disease: This condition occurs when the blood vessels outside the heart and brain become narrowed or blocked. This can lead to many problems, such as leg pain, ulcers, and gangrene.

Foods that can help you lower your cholesterol

Fortunately, several foods can help you lower your cholesterol and improve your overall health. These include:

Oats

Oats are a type of whole grain that is high in fibre. They can help to reduce LDL cholesterol and keep the arteries clear by binding to the cholesterol and removing it from the body. Oats are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the heart.

Beans

Beans are another excellent fibre source; they also contain a type of soluble fibre that can help reduce LDL cholesterol. In addition, beans are a good source of protein and nutrients, making them a healthy choice for those with high cholesterol.

Nuts

Nuts are a healthy snack option that can help to lower cholesterol levels. They contain unsaturated fats, which can help to reduce LDL cholesterol, as well as vitamins and minerals that are good for the heart.

Fish

Fish is a great food to eat to lower your cholesterol. It's high in omega-three fatty acids, which can help to reduce LDL cholesterol and improve HDL levels. In addition, fish is a good source of protein and other nutrients.

Barley

Barley is another type of whole grain that is high in fibre. It can help lower cholesterol levels by binding to bile acids and preventing them from reabsorbing into the body.

Beans

Beans are a great source of soluble fibre, reducing cholesterol levels. Soluble fibre binds with cholesterol in the intestine and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. Beans are also a good source of protein and contain no saturated fat.

Soy

Soy contains isoflavones, a phytoestrogen that can lower cholesterol. You can find soy products in many forms, such as soy milk, tofu, and tempeh.

Fibre supplements

Fibre is another nutrient that has been shown to lower cholesterol. Fibre supplements can be found in powder or pill form and can be added to food or taken on their own.

Eggplant

Eggplant contains Chlorogenic acid, which has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels. Chlorogenic acid works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.

Citrus fruits

Eaten regularly, citrus fruits can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Citrus fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Try adding oranges, grapefruits, lemons, or limes to your diet.

Tips to add these foods into your diet

It can be challenging to change your diet, but small changes can make a big difference. Here are some tips to help you add these foods into your diet:

• Add oats to your breakfast by eating oatmeal or adding them to smoothies.
• Include beans in your lunch or dinner by making a bean soup, chilli, or salad.
• Snack on nuts instead of processed snacks.
• Eat fish for dinner at least once a week.
• Add barley to soups or stews.
• Use soy milk in place of cow's milk.
• Take a fibre supplement with meals.
• Slice eggplant and add it to pasta dishes or make baba ganoush dip.
• Start your day with a glass of orange juice or eat grapefruit for dessert.

Foods to avoid

In addition to eating the right foods, it's also essential to avoid foods that can raise your cholesterol levels. These include:

Saturated fats

Saturated fats are found in animal products, such as meat, dairy, and eggs, and they can also be found in some plant-based oils, such as coconut and palm oil. While altogether avoiding saturated fats may not be possible, limiting your intake is essential. Consuming too much saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease.

Trans fats

Trans fats are created through hydrogenation, which is used to solidify liquid oils. Trans fats are often found in processed foods, such as cookies, crackers, and fried food. They can also be found in some kinds of margarine and vegetable shortening.

Sugar

Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that is found in many foods and drinks. Consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and increased triglyceride levels.

Salt

Salt is another ingredient that can be found in many processed foods. Too much salt can cause high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease.

Recipes for delicious, heart-healthy meals

Eating a heart-healthy diet doesn't have to be boring. There are plenty of delicious recipes that you can enjoy while still keeping your cholesterol levels in check. Here are a few to get you started:

• Roasted salmon with grapefruit and fennel
• Grilled chicken with mango salsa
• Black bean soup with cilantro and lime
• Quinoa salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese
• Stir-fry made with tofu, vegetables, and brown rice
• Vegetarian chilli made with kidney beans, black beans, and corn.

By including these foods in your diet and avoiding those high in cholesterol, you can help keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease. Drinking green juice may also help.

A final word on reducing your risk of heart disease

While a heart-healthy diet is essential, it's only one part of the equation. Other lifestyle factors, such as exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress, can also impact your risk of heart disease. Talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk and ensure you are taking steps to protect your heart.