What Foods Should You Eat To Fight Cholesterol?
Eating to fight cholesterol involves making dietary choices that can help in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and enhance HDL (good) cholesterol levels. Key strategies include:
1- Choose Healthy Fats: Opt for unsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish like salmon. Limit saturated fats available in red meat and full-fat dairy.
2- Increase Soluble Fiber: Foods like oats, lentils, beans, and fresh fruits like apples and oranges can help reduce cholesterol absorption in the bloodstream.
3- Include Plant Sterols and Stanols: These compounds are available in fortified foods like margarine; it can help to lower LDL cholesterol levels.
4- Eat More Fruits and Vegetables: Eat fresh fruits and veggie as they are rich in fiber and antioxidants that can help lower cholesterol levels and improve overall heart health.
5- Limit Trans Fats and Processed Foods: Trans fats raise LDL cholesterol levels. Avoid processed snacks and fried foods made with partially hydrogenated oils.
6- Watch Sugar and Alcohol Intake: Excess sugar and alcohol can raise triglyceride levels, which can contribute to heart disease risk.
7- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can raise HDL cholesterol levels and lower LDL cholesterol levels.
By incorporating these dietary changes and lifestyle habits, you can effectively manage cholesterol levels and support heart health.
What is Dietary Fiber?
Dietary fiber is a plant-based component that our body cannot digest. It plays to a very important role in the proper functioning of our digestive system by promoting intestinal transit and regulating blood sugar and cholesterol.
The Benefits of Foods Rich In Fiber
Foods rich in fiber contribute to better intestinal health and the prevention of many diseases, like cardiovascular disease, diabetes (type 2), and certain types of cancers. In addition, they provide a feeling of prolonged fullness, which can help to maintain a healthy weight.
Here are Some Foods That Are Particularly Rich In Fiber:
They Help in Controlling Bad Cholesterol
Foods Fiber content (per 100g)
Lentils 8 g
Black beans 7.5 g
Leeks 3 g
Raspberries 6.5 g
Oatmeal 10 g
How to Increase Your Fiber Intake?
To increase your fiber intake, focus on whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables. Consuming about 30 grams of fiber daily is recommended to maintain good digestive health.
Precautions to take
It is important to note that you need to increase your fiber intake gradually. It will help you to avoid digestive discomfort such as bloating or abdominal cramps. Also, make sure to drink enough water to facilitate intestinal transit.
Foods Containing Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Control Bad Cholesterol
Avocado
Avocado is a fruit rich in unsaturated fatty acids, particularly monounsaturated fatty acids. Consumed regularly, it can help lower blood cholesterol levels and protect the heart.
Olives and Olive Oil
Olives are an excellent source of unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated fats. These fatty acids are beneficial for cardiovascular health and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
Fatty Seafood
Fatty fish such like salmon, mackerel and herring are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids as they are from the omega-3 family. These fatty acids are essential to keep brain functioning healthy, skin glowing, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Nuts
Walnuts, almonds and hazelnuts are foods rich in unsaturated fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. By including these nuts in your diet, you may benefit from their beneficial effects on heart and brain health.
Chia and Flax Seeds
Chia and flax seeds are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. They are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are essential for our bodies. By adding them to your meals, you may improve your lipid profile and reduce inflammation.
Food Type of unsaturated fatty acids
Avocado Monounsaturated fatty acids
Olives and olive oil Monounsaturated fatty acids
Oily fish Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Nuts Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids
Chia and flax seeds Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
Plant-Based Protein Foods to Control Bad Cholesterol
Protein is an important to build block for our bodies to function properly. It is often associated with meat and animal products, but there are many plant-based sources of protein that are perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Let’s take a look at some plant-based protein foods that can enrich your daily diet.
1. Legumes
Legumes are essential plant-based protein sources. They include lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas, fava beans, and many others. They are full of protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Legume-based dishes are delicious and nutritious.
Examples of legumes are kidney beans, chickpeas, and green lentils.
2. Soy and Soy Derivatives
Soy is a complete protein source, it contains all the essential amino acids. Also note, soy comes in different forms: tofu, tempeh, soy milk, soy yogurt, etc. These products are versatile and can be incorporated into many dishes.
Examples of soy products are tofu, tempeh, and edamame.
3. Seeds and Nuts
Seeds and nuts are very rich in protein, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals. They can be eaten as is or added to salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes to increase their nutritional value.
Examples of seeds and nuts: almonds, cashews, chia seeds.
Foods Rich in Antioxidants For Cholesterol
Health Tips: What you need to know about excess cholesterol
The Health Benefits of Antioxidants
They are natural substances found in many foods. Their main role is to protect our cells from tarnish caused by free radicals and unstable molecules, which can help in the development of chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and premature aging.
The Main Foods Rich In Antioxidants
Many foods are naturally rich in antioxidants. Here are some examples:
Food Antioxidant Content
Red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) Rich in vitamin C and flavonoids
Green vegetables (spinach, broccoli) Source of lutein and beta-carotene
Nuts and seeds (almonds, cashews, chia seeds) Contain unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E
How to Get More Antioxidants In Your Diet For Cholesterol
To benefit from the benefits of antioxidants, it is recommended to eat a variety of natural foods. Here are some tips for getting more antioxidants in your diet:
Add red fruits to your morning cereal.
Include green vegetables in your salads and cooked dishes.
Snack healthily with nuts and seeds.
Don’t forget to vary your diet to benefit from a wide range of antioxidants and nutrients essential for your health and control the bad cholesterol.
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