5 Best Foods For Reducing Cholesterol Levels
Kick your high LDL cholesterol levels to the curb. You need help to fight your battle against cholesterol. These five natural foods when added to your arsenal might be key to watching those numbers drop. You are in this war to win.
*Oats
The message being driven home by a multitude of companies is that ‘the oat’ is a powerful, cholesterol-kicking agent. Coming from the proud country of Scotland, the oat is a big part of the diet there. Brought over to America by immigrants, the oat is now a very popular food and remains true to its roots in the proud state of Vermont.
The key cholesterol-kicking ingredient in oats is its soluble fiber. The soluble fiber keeps much of the bad cholesterol, LDL from being absorbed into your intestines. Ultimately, this means that the soluble fiber keeps the cholesterol out of the blood stream and out of your arteries.
Oats are found in a wide variety of foods. Oatmeal is the most associated product with oats. If you don’t like oatmeal, many companies are now incorporating oats into cereals, pasta, and bread. We suggest the cereals but not the pasta. Don’t be afraid to add this powerful food to your arsenal.
*Garlic
This little bulb has been around and used for centuries. The bulb was nailed to doors and hung around necks to ward off vampires and other evil spirits. Some believe that eating the bulb can increase desire or the body’s chi. Garlic is also used heavily in Mediterranean and Chinese cooking, which is probably why you don’t hear much about Chinese vampires, lol.
The natural antioxidants in garlic are just part of the link that it is thought allows it to fight cholesterol. The thought is the antioxidants keep the LDL from sticking to arteries. Somehow Garlic also seems to have the ability to lower high blood pressure. Garlic when added to a healthy diet can also keep at check many flu and flu symptoms.
Garlic is available in many forms. It can be eaten raw. Although, it’s resulting tang on the tongue might be a little too much for most people to handle. In cooking, the overpowering nature of the smell and taste of garlic is diluted. This results in a more palatable concoction for most people. It can also be taken in powder or pill form as part of a supplement.
*Onions
Garlic is usually associated with its close cousin, the onion. The two naturally go together. Historically, onions were probably more popular than garlic. As a side note, the onion used to be an easy and acceptable form of payment for historic renters. Personally, i would prefer a gold coin, but who am I to critique my elders.
The onion is a source of chromium and B6 vitamins. Both sources are linked to lowering cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. Along with its cholesterol lowering properties, the onion has other benefits including lowering the risk of cancer.
Fortunately, there are only two ways to eat an onion, raw or cooked. With such a wide variety of onions available, it is relatively easy to find a variety that appeases your taste buds. If you don’t like the sharp taste of stronger onions, try one of the sweet varieties or use it as seasoning in your food.
*Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin Olive oil is a natural product originally made from Greek olives. Once immortalized as liquid gold by Homer, it held great popularity in ancient times. Religions saw the olive oil as a pure burning oil and is held in high esteem for many different type of ceremonies. It was once used as a cure for bad breath when it was turned into a mouthwash.
Olive oil contains good fat or monounsaturated fat. These fats assist in your efforts to lower your cholesterol. Switching your high bad fats with these good fats is a simple way to keep those bad fats out of your system.
Olive oil can be bought in any supermarket as cooking oil. Companies are adding this cholesterol-lowering oil to salad dressings and in the creation of mayonnaise. Olive oil is also available to take as a supplement in pills.
*Primrose Oil
The primrose plant is where primrose oil originates from. The primrose thrives in North and South America and is widely available. Nicknamed the King’s cureall, the primrose was once thought to cure multiple aliments.
Primrose oil provides essential fatty acids to the cholesterol lowering equation. Primrose oil is also known to relieve eczema and ease the symptoms associated with PMS.
Primrose oil is available as a supplement. Usually found in pill form, it can be obtained in many grocery stores. If you are on existing medication or have a known heart or cardio related ailment, it is wise to consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement. If your doctor disapproves of any kind of supplement, consider alternate medical advice and see a certified naturopath.
The fight against high cholesterol is a constant battle. These powerful tools are merely aids to help you drop those numbers. When used in conjunction with a well thought out diet, these foods can help you win the battle against high LDL cholesterol.
