What kind of food can lower cholesterol if you eat it every day?
.webp)
Obesity is increasing concern in the current world. Lazy living is increasing excess body weight. High cholesterol is taking root in the body due to obesity. When the cholesterol level in the blood increases, heart disease also attacks the body. This is where the fear lies. The secret lies in making smart dietary choices every day. From fiber-rich grains like oats and quinoa to heart-healthy fats found in avocados and olive oil, the right nutrients can actively lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while boosting the good kind (HDL). Nuts and seeds, like almonds and flaxseeds, also pack a powerful punch, helping to reduce cholesterol levels naturally.
Basically, the level of bad or LDL cholesterol in the body increases due to improper eating. The more fried and fast food you eat, the more weight and cholesterol you will increase. To avoid cholesterol problems, you need to pay special attention to your diet.
Cholesterol and Its Impact on Health
Cholesterol—it's a word that often sparks concern. But did you know that not
all cholesterol is bad? In fact, your body needs cholesterol to build cells,
produce hormones, and support digestion. The real issue arises when levels of
bad cholesterol (LDL) become too high, leading to plaque buildup in the
arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Good vs. Bad Cholesterol: What’s the Difference?
Cholesterol comes in two main types:- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – Often called "bad cholesterol," LDL contributes to artery blockages and increases cardiovascular risks.
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – Known as "good cholesterol," HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for elimination.
When LDL levels rise, so do health risks. But here’s the good news—your daily
diet plays a major role in controlling cholesterol levels naturally.
How High Cholesterol Affects Your Health
If you’re not keeping an eye on your cholesterol, it could be quietly
affecting your health in ways you might not even realize. High cholesterol can
lead to:
- Narrowed Arteries: Excess cholesterol forms plaque, reducing blood flow and increasing heart disease risk.
- High Blood Pressure: The heart works harder to push blood through clogged arteries, straining the cardiovascular system.
- Increased Stroke Risk: Blockages can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the brain, increasing stroke chances.
The Role of Diet in Managing Cholesterol
While genetics can influence cholesterol levels, your diet plays an even
bigger role. Foods high in saturated fats, such as fried items and processed
meats, can cause LDL levels to spike. On the other hand, nutrient-dense foods
like oats, quinoa, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats from avocados or olive oil
can actively help reduce cholesterol and improve heart health
What kind of food will help control cholesterol levels?
Healthy Fats: There is no reason to think that fat is bad. Fats are
also necessary for the body. However, choosing healthy fats is the real
challenge. Fried foods contain saturated fats, which should not be consumed.
Foods like avocado, olive oil, sunflower oil contain healthy fats. Using
such oils in cooking will keep cholesterol levels under control.
Grains: Foods like oats, barley, Dalia, quinoa, brown rice, etc.
contain a lot of fiber. All these grains control blood cholesterol levels
and reduce weight. They even control blood sugar levels.
Pulses: Moong, lentils, rajma, chickpeas, any pulse is beneficial
for health. Pulses are a very good option if you are looking for vegetable
protein. Apart from that, pulses contain a lot of fiber. Include pulses in
your daily diet to reduce cholesterol and fill your stomach.
Nuts and seeds: Include nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia
seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc. in your daily diet. All these foods
contain fiber, protein, antioxidants. Eating nuts and seeds can reduce
blood cholesterol levels and also prevent the risk of several diseases.
Fruits and vegetables: All types of vegetables and fruits are
beneficial for health. Vegetables contain a lot of fiber, which reduces
cholesterol levels. Apart from that, vegetables and fruits are full of
nutrients. Eat vegetables, greens and fruits whenever they are available
in the market. Eating these foods daily will keep you healthy and will
help you avoid the risk of several diseases.