Oftentimes, people assume that cholesterol doesn’t belong in your system at all. In actuality, you need to focus on managing your cholesterol so that it doesn’t get high. You need cholesterol in your body in order to develop healthy cells. When your cholesterol levels are high, this leads to life-threatening diseases such as heart disease
Oftentimes, people assume that cholesterol doesn't belong in your system at all. In actuality, you need to focus on managing your cholesterol so that it doesn't get high. You need cholesterol in your body in order to develop healthy cells. When your cholesterol levels are high, this leads to life-threatening diseases such as heart disease. By consuming these foods, you'll be able to actively manage your cholesterol levels. Incorporate the following foods into your regular diet.
Avocados are heralded as one of the ideal sources of healthy fat. One of the benefits of being a healthy source of fat is that this simultaneously decreases the amount of bad cholesterol in your body. There are many ways to include this nutritious fruit into a well-rounded diet. Avocados lend a creamy texture to a green smoothie. Cut it into cubes to complement mango salsa. Add a few slices to your lunchtime salad or make it the star player in your guacamole for taco night.
Salmon is an incredibly rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are instrumental in producing the good kind of cholesterol in your body. Most fatty fish are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. The key with salmon is to read the labels before purchasing. Make sure the salmon is wild-caught and fresh. Stay away from farm-raised salmon and canned options. Salmon is healthiest when it’s baked or steamed. If you must fry it, pan-fry it in a minimal amount of oil or butter. Additional sources of Omega-3 fatty acids include mackerel and sardines. If you don’t eat fish, consume an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement or swallow a tablespoon of Cod Liver Oil for similar results.
Fiber is such an important part of any diet because of its ability to decrease an individual’s cholesterol levels. Kale is one of the best forms of fiber as it’s one of the green, leafy superfoods. Try not to cook all of the nutrients out of it because you’ll want to get as many nutrients as possible. Though it can be a tough, bitter green to eat, there are few ways to eat it raw. Throw it in a blender along with fruits and water to enjoy a green smoothie. Make it the base of a salad, but in order to break it down for easier digestion, coat it with an acidic salad dressing. Using ingredients like apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and a healthy choice of oil (extra virgin olive, avocado, etc), create a salad dressing that you can later massage the kale leaves in.
Depending on an individual’s personal taste, this option might be one of the most enjoyable ways to manage cholesterol. Before you grab all of the chocolate bars and hot cocoa in the grocery store, it’s best to note that you’ll need to purchase the purest forms you can find. Oftentimes, the dark chocolate in the candy aisle of the grocery store contains too much sugar. Look for high-quality dark chocolate with a low sugar content as it can help you get to your goals of decreasing your cholesterol over time.
Whether you're suffering from the common cold or high cholesterol, garlic is packed with medicinal properties. Even though it's very strong and bitter, you can easily make it more palatable by including it in salads, salad dressing, and other prepared meals. Garlic supplements are available for those who want to ingest the benefits differently.
These little powerhouses are filled with fiber, and they can decrease the amount of bad cholesterol in your body. Legumes are really easy to incorporate into any diet. If you’re a vegetarian, chances are you’re very familiar with how versatile legumes can be. Lentils, black beans, and chickpeas are some of the popular options. Use black beans to make a delicious black bean burger. If you’re in the mood for cornbread and chili, make a vegetarian version that’s filled with kidney beans and black beans. Lentil soup is another comforting soup you can consume for added nutritional benefits. Chickpeas make the base for hummus. Whether you’d like to consume the hummus as a snack or as part of a sandwich, you’ll receive the benefits of legumes in the form of a spread.
Pectin is a type of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber is instrumental in the reduction of unhealthy cholesterol levels. Pectin is found in strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries. They’re also found in a host of other fruit. It’s really easy to include berries into a daily menu plan. Whether you opt to eat them on their own or in a smoothie, consume at least one serving of fresh berries.
Green tea provides a lot of health benefits to the body. In addition to improving brain function and the body’s ability to burn fat cells, green tea is effective in aiding in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. When you’re looking to decrease your cholesterol, green tea is a powerhouse beverage to consume. In order to get the most benefits, it’s best to drink it in cold-brewed form. Drinking it hot is still helpful, but heat can kill off some of the nutrients. Place a green tea bag in a large cup of water. Place it in the fridge to brew overnight. Drink the refreshing beverage the next day for maximum benefits.
Don't be ashamed if you've been used to consuming lots of processed foods. The key is to make the transition toward a healthier lifestyle. This process won't necessarily happen overnight. However, by replacing a soda with a large glass of iced green tea or a green smoothie, your tastebuds will adjust and your body will reap the benefits. As you work on managing your cholesterol, know that it's much better to prepare your meals at home. You will be able to measure the amount of salt, oil, and other ingredients in your food. When you know exactly what's going into your body, you'll be able to guarantee that you're doing all you can in order to manage your cholesterol.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.