Delicious and Healthy Cholesterol Reducing Foods
Orange Juice - Recent studies have shown that one glass of
orange juice a day can increase the good cholesterol levels by 21 percent. Most
likely this is from the antioxidants that are found in the oranges.
Niacin - One of the B vitamins, Niacin has some of the same
effects on the body as statin prescription drugs. But with this supplement it
is important to be under a medical professional's care as Niacin can interfere
with blood thinners and other drugs.
By: Paul Heitman
High cholesterol can be a serious medical problem. But,
there are many things that you can do to help get your cholesterol back under
control. There are many cholesterol reducing foods that can shift your
cholesterol numbers into a healthy zone.
When it comes to cholesterol reducing foods there are
actually two things to take into consideration. One is foods that increase your
HDL and the other is foods that will lower your LDL. You might be scratching
your head wondering what these strange letters might mean. Let me start by
explaining a little bit about cholesterol.
The Two Faces of Cholesterol
You see, there are actually two kids of cholesterol. The
LDL, or low density lipoprotein, is considered bad for you. This is the type of
cholesterol that you want to have a low score for. This cholesterol is slow
moving and can block your arteries. Blocked or restricted arteries are what can
cause stroke, heart disease, and heart attacks.
The other kind of cholesterol is HDL, or high density
lipoprotein. This type of cholesterol moves quickly through your system and
will actually help to unblock the LDL stuck on your arteries. You want to have
a higher score with your HDL numbers.
Cholesterol Reducing Foods
Even though there are two types of cholesterol there are
actually three types of cholesterol reducing foods. One will lower bad
cholesterol. One will increase the good cholesterol. And one will do both of
these things.
Let's take a look at some of the bad cholesterol reducing
foods first.
Oats- If you have watched any amount of television in the
last ten years than you would have seen a commercial about oats being good for
heart health. And it' true. Oats and oatmeal are fantastic for lowering the bad
cholesterol that is in your system.
Beans- Most of the legumes are high in fiber. Any foods with
a high fiber content are going to help move cholesterol out of your body before
it gets absorbed. This means they will help to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Fish - Salmon, sardines, and mackerel are all fish that have
a high fat content, but it's the good omega-3 fat that helps to lower bad
cholesterol levels. Again, this type of food will be less effective when it is
drenched in butter or other sauces. So make smarter choices.
Here are a few of the cholesterol reducing foods that will
increase your good cholesterol rating.
Nuts - Nuts are high in the fats that are good for your body.
But not all nuts are equal when it comes to health benefits. Walnuts and
almonds are the top rated nuts. Plus, all nuts are high in calories so you need
to watch your intake. Also, remember that nuts that have been roasted, salted,
or coated in sugar are not going to have the same health benefits as nuts that
are raw.
Here are a few of the cholesterol reducing foods that do
both.
Garlic - This food is known for so many health benefits that
it is no wonder that cholesterol reduction is part of the list. Garlic has been
proven to lower bad cholesterol while helping to increase the good stuff.
Paul is a health conscious person and takes good care of his
heart by following a healthy lifestyle. He loves to share information and
resources about cholesterol and how to decrease cholesterol naturally. To know
more about cholesterol and on how you can lower your cholesterol levels by
eating cholesterol reducing foods, sign up for your FREE mini-course at http://decreasecholesterolnaturally.com.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com - Delicious and Healthy Cholesterol Reducing Foods
