High cholesterol is not only found in people who are overweight. Harmful cholesterol (LDL) can develop because of a lack of exercise, a poor diet with a lot of trans fats and sodium, and it can also be hereditary. This doesn’t mean that you have to change your entire lifestyle to improve your cholesterol, however.
Different foods can lower harmful cholesterol – and the majority of them can simply be added to your diet, without affecting your budget.
Foods That Lower Cholesterol
Cholesterol can start off as harmless, but prolonged high cholesterol can lead to conditions such as hypertension, strokes, and heart disease. Getting your harmful cholesterol under control in the early stages will prevent you from having to take expensive medications and face major health risks in the long run.
Oats
Soluble fibre is key for your health, and oats is rich with it! We are talking about unprocessed oats – not the instant oats that come in a sugary powder. Adding a bowl of oats for breakfast will assist with lowering your cholesterol, and keep your body regulated. You can spice up your oatmeal with cinnamon, bananas, strawberries, and even some almonds (for a different texture).
Nuts
Eating approximately 67g of nuts a day (about half a cup) can reduce high cholesterol by 5.1%. Nuts such as almonds are low in fat, and can even aid in heart health.
Avocados
Avocados can improve harmful cholesterol levels and heart-health. Once again, be careful in what form the avocadoes are, as guacamole (avocado puree) is usually made with oils, and other potentially unhealthy ingredients. Avocados should be freshly chopped and added in dressing-free salad (or healthy dressings such as balsamic vinegar and olive oil). Alternatively, it can be enjoyed over wholewheat, health bread or on its own.
How to Naturally Lower Your Cholesterol
You can lower your cholesterol by keeping an active lifestyle, lowering your alcohol intake, and fatty red meat consumption. If your cholesterol levels are high, best would be to speak to your weight loss doctor, or dietician. Slender Wonder offers a healthy eating plan that fits your body’s needs and more. Contact us for more information, or find a doctor near you!