Cholesterol, you've probably heard of it. It is the fat or lipid that you get when eating oily or salty food. It accumulates in the walls of your blood vessels reducing blood flow and has been known as the silent killer. It causes strokes and heart diseases. But, enough of the dangers of cholesterol, let's instead look at how we can cut our cholesterol levels down just by eating the right foods!
Omega-3 Rich Fish
Not all fish are made equal. Salmon, mackarels, sardines, flounders, and rainbow trouts are some that are richer in Omega-3, which is a type of unsaturated fatty acid that can only be obtained through food. A moderate amount of it can lower cholesterol levels quite well.
Brinjal / Eggplant
Eggpplants contain antioxidants, which are your best friends when it comes to preventing aging. Combined with chlorogenic acid, harmful oxidants can be excreted easily, which is effective for cholesterol reduction. Besides, eggplants help to relieve inflammation and fatigue.
Citrus
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are all part of the citrus family, all of which contain pectin and dietary fiber, preventing the intenstinal absorption of cholesterol. In addition, it is rich in antioxidant and polyphenols, peventing blood vessel-related diseases.
Oat
There's a reason why oat is one of the top choices for breakfast, especially among older people. Oat does wonders with your cholesterol level. Plus, it helps if you're trying to be on a slimming diet!
Nuts
Forget chips and other unhealthy snacks, you should start snacking on nuts instead. Almonds, walnuts, anything. According to research, they effectively reduce cholesterol levels by 5%!
Dark Chocolate
Ok, fine, we're not going to just be all healthy and no fun. You can include chocolate in your low-cholesterol diet, but only dark chocolate that has around 75-85% cocoa. Keep in mind, though, that dark chocolates have plenty of calories so take them in suitable amounts.
Now, it's one thing to choose your foods correctly, it's another to make sure you don't eat them with too much oil or salt, because eating these foods the right way is just as important as eating the right foods.
