Bowls with different nuts

Foods That Can Help Lower Cholesterol

Maintaining health can be difficult. Many different factors go into ensuring one’s body is running the best it can. One of these huge factors is diet. A balanced diet full of healthy foods is extremely beneficial for overall health and wellness. Part of keeping a healthy diet includes ensuring cholesterol levels are kept at bay. 

Cholesterol is made up of two types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDL has been dubbed by many as “bad cholesterol” because too much of it can cause a buildup of cholesterol in the arteries. Too much of that is a problem, as it can block one’s blood flow. However, there are foods that can be beneficial to add into one’s diet to ensure this doesn’t happen.  

Keep reading to find out what they are. 

High-Fiber Foods

Fiber can play a central role in lowering LDL levels. High-fiber foods include grains, oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and more. According to Mayo Clinic, this is because fiber can lower the absorption of cholesterol into one’s bloodstream. This will help to prevent plaque buildup and ensure proper blood flow is maintained.

Nuts

Another food that’s great for lowering LDL levels are nuts. Almonds and other tree nuts are packed with unsaturated fats, which are actually healthy. These unsaturated fats work to keep LDL levels at bay. In addition, nuts can help lower the risk of heart disease or heart attacks caused by heart disease. 

Teas

Some studies have shown that there is a correlation between drinking tea and lower LDL levels. Very Well Health, a health news company, reports that green tea in particular can help with cholesterol levels, as it is less processed than other types of tea. Drinking tea can also help increase HDL levels, or “good cholesterol”, which can then help the liver absorb cholesterol. 

Fish

Cooked fish, potatoes, and lemons on a cutting board.

Similar to tea, eating fish can also increase HDL levels. Fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which raise HDL levels and ultimately lower LDL levels in the bloodstream. Any fish with high omega-3 fatty acid levels, like salmon and tuna, is a good option for anyone who might be looking to lower their cholesterol levels. 

Conclusion

High cholesterol levels can be dangerous if left unchecked. It’s important to ensure one’s diet helps them maintain healthy LDL and HDL levels to prevent heart disease and heart attacks. For anyone looking to incorporate more foods that counteract high cholesterol levels into their diet, these foods are a good place to start.

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