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All Cholesterol is not bad. In fact the liver
and other cells in the body actually produce cholesterol, which
in turn helps to produce cell membranes and some hormones.
There are 2 types of cholesterol, HDL or the good cholesterol
and LDL the bad cholesterol. In order to remain healthy we must
increase HDL levels and decrease LDL levels. Some foods help to
lower cholesterol levels naturally and that is what we need to
focus on.. |
The good old adage that an apple a day keeps the doctor
away holds good even today. Eating a couple of apples everyday or
drinking 2-3 glasses of apple juice seems to have an effect in lowering
the LDL levels. In fact if it is taken regularly, the risk of heart
diseases is decreased considerably. Vegetables and fruits are
cholesterol free and hence can be taken freely. The high fiber acts like
a sponge soaking up all the excess cholesterol.
Eating the fruits and vegetables raw in the form of salads and drinking
soup is a good way of warding of the evils of high cholesterol. Leafy
vegetables and green salads are a good way to start the day. Citrus
fruits contain lots of vitamin C, folic acid and soluble fiber.
Grandmother’s garlic does wonders for the human system. It helps to make
blood thinner thus decreasing the risk of clogged arteries and also
lowers LDL levels. Raw onions not only decrease LDL levels but also
increase HDL levels. Beans and legumes have always been advocated
because of their soluble fiber content. Kidney beans, lentils, are good
for the heart, elevate HDL levels and lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Use legumes, peas, and beans in soups, stews and salads. Vegetables like
carrots, sprouts, cauliflower and onion have been known to do a lot of
good. Green tea and black tea are known to have positive effects in
lowering cholesterol. Don’t avoid eating oatmeal porridge or oatmeal
bran and do indulge in eating a small quantity of nuts everyday. Add
fenugreek and turmeric to as many dishes as possible. They are good for
the heart. Increase the use of soybean and soybean products. They are a
rich source of vitamin E, unsaturated fats and fiber.
Fats are essential ingredients in our daily lives, but just stick with
unsaturated fats. These fats are derived from plants, seeds and
vegetables and are known to do wonders for lowering of cholesterol. Oils
like soybean oil, olive oil, safflower and sunflower oil, corn and
canola oil have a great advantage over their counterparts. A very good
cholesterol reducing food is olive oil. It increases HDL, which helps to
prevent plaque formation in the arteries.
The bottom line then is to increase intake of vegetables and fruits and
thus increase the amount of fiber consumed, go easy on saturated fats,
avoid junk food, use fresh herbs, eat fresh salads and drink fresh
juices. Cholesterol levels will automatically reduce..
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