High cholesterol is a dangerous condition where a significant amount of cholesterol is accumulated on the walls of the arteries. This, in turn, can affect the blood flow in the arteries causing different complications on one’s health. High cholesterol can increase your risk of developing stroke, heart disease, and arterial disease. If this condition is left untreated, more health problems and complications may occur. There are many reasons your cholesterol levels increase. It could be due to your unhealthy lifestyle, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and a lot more.
If you want to correct your cholesterol levels, then you should turn to healthier practices. When you consult a doctor, they would normally give you prescribed medications that will help lower down your cholesterol and keep it well maintained. However, you can also lower your cholesterol by eating healthy foods. Here are some foods to eat if you want to significantly lower your cholesterol.
1. Avocados
This fruit is rich in fiber and monounsaturated fats important in decreasing bad LDL and increasing good cholesterol.
2. Fatty fish
Salmon and mackerel are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 will make your heart health improved, and this can also lower your risk of developing stroke, heart inflammation, etc.
3. Fruits
If you want a heart-healthy eating plan, then you should consider eating fruits. Fruits are rich in fiber which lowers done cholesterol levels. Fiber can get rid of cholesterol and prevents the liver from making the compound.
4. Garlic
This is an excellent ingredient that provides many health benefits. Garlic lowers down blood pressure and keeps the heart protected and healthy. A healthy heart will keep cholesterol at good levels.
5. Vegetables
Just like fruits, vegetables are always rich in nutrients and vitamins. It is rich in antioxidants and fiber and can lower down calories. Some vegetables also contain pectin which is a cholesterol-lowering soluble. Fiber can flush down bad cholesterol, thus keeping it in lower levels that is good for the body.
6. Legumes
This group includes beans, lentils, and peas that are rich in fiber, protein, and minerals. This can lower your risk of heart diseases and can lower the production of bad cholesterol inside the body. Eating this fiber-rich food will help prevent the overproduction of cholesterol in the body.
7. Nuts
Nuts are nutrient-dense foods. They keep the heart-healthy and can also regulate blood sugar. Nuts provide phytosterols that lower cholesterol.
8. Oats
This whole grain is very heart-friendly. Oats contain beta-glucan which is a soluble fiber that can keep cholesterol at low levels.
9. Tea
Tea has beneficial compounds which are the catechins and quercetin. These may provide healthy blood pressure and prevent the production of cholesterol.
10. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
This is an important ingredient if you want to achieve a healthy heart. When the heart is healthy, cholesterol production can be lowered and prevent the risk of high cholesterol conditions.
High cholesterol can be dangerous to your health especially to the heart. Therefore, it is vital to keep the heart healthy and cholesterol at good levels. It doesn’t really have to be expensive; by changing your lifestyle and diet and exercising regularly, you can achieve lower cholesterol levels and enjoy good health. This list contains easy to find ingredients that you can incorporate in your diet. You can easily include these in your meals, and you will be amazed by the health benefits and results that you can gain from them.
Mindful eating and healthy habits will keep you away from heart diseases and the different health conditions that high cholesterol can give. Now that you know the foods that can help lower your cholesterol, you can create good and healthy dishes that will keep you feeling good and living great.