Cholesterol is an important element in your body. It helps in digesting fats and it provides vitamin D and hormones. Although the excess of cholesterol in the body can lead to serious chronic diseases like heart diseases. According to one research study, a 1% decrease in excessive cholesterol can lead to a 2% decrease in coronary heart diseases.
Last year, my father had a cholesterol problem, and therefore I consulted with my friend’s father, who is among the best cardiac surgeons in Karachi. This doctor shared with me the importance of some foods that will keep anyone safe from visiting any cardiac surgeon in the future.
List of 6 Cholesterol-Lowering Food Good for Your Health
The food that is helpful for promoting good heart health are oats, barley, whole grains, beans, nuts, vegetable oils, fruits, and fatty fish. All of these foods control the cholesterol level in the body. Let’s get into the details of these foods below.
- Oats
Oatmeal is good for controlling bad cholesterol levels. It’s the best healthy breakfast that you can do along with your family. Oatmeal is beneficial as it contains antioxidants that reduce the risk of heart diseases. Besides antioxidants, oatmeal is also rich in fiber. It improves the blood sugar level and also helps in controlling the weight.
- Barley and Other Whole Grains
Just like oatmeal Barley and whole grains are also rich in nutrients and fiber. The fiber in the barley is good for improving digestion. It helps in controlling heart diseases and cholesterol. If you want to lose excess weight then barley is a good option for you.
Similarly, Whole grains also contain the same properties. Whole grains are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, nutrients, and even antioxidants. The regular use of whole grains in the diet can reduce the risk of cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart diseases.
- Beans & Nuts
Beans are also rich in fiber and therefore they not only improve digestion but also help in losing weight. Beans like navy, kidney beans, peas, and lentils all are good for the healthy growth of the body. Beans protect you from heart disease, cancer, diabetes, liver issues, and gut problems.
Likewise, nuts are also rich in essential elements that include fiber, protein, fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. They also contain the omega 6 and omega 3 fats that are also found in fish. Nuts like walnuts, almonds, peanuts are all aids in controlling cholesterol and other heart problems.
- Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oils have a greater impact on our body as it is used on a daily basis. A good cooking oil improves health and bad cooking oils have a detrimental effect on the body. Oils like canola and sunflower are good for lowering LDL cholesterol which is the bad cholesterol.
- Fruits
Besides nuts, grains, and oil, fruits also play an important role in the health of the body. Fruits like apples, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits all are important for lowering LDL cholesterol and improving the HDL cholesterol level in the body. HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol that is required by the body.
Fruits have multiple benefits, for instance, apple is rich in fiber and therefore it aids in removing the extra weight and also in improving digestion. Besides this citrus fruits not only help in controlling the cholesterol level but also helps in improving the immunity of the body.
- Omega-3 Fatty Fish
The last food that will help you in controlling the bad cholesterol in the body is fatty fish. Fatty fish are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acid is helpful for lowering blood pressure and improving the heart’s health by reducing the level of bad cholesterol.
Summing Up
Keeping yourself healthy in a busy routine is not an easy task. On a daily basis, you will come across unhealthy food. However, the person with better knowledge can take control of what he/she will eat. To control the bad Cholesterol level for spending a healthy life you have to start using the above-mentioned foods. Besides eating these foods you can also try cholesterol-lowering medication after consulting with the right doctor.