Fruits are the best way to lower high cholesterol levels. They are rich in fibre and antioxidants, which help to lower bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol.
Here are some of the most effective fruits that can help you reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke.
Blueberries. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins, which help to keep your heart healthy. In fact, research has shown that blueberries may be able to prevent inflammation in arteries and blood vessels.
Cranberries. Cranberries are natural diuretics which help the body get rid of sodium and water, reducing bloating and puffiness. They also have antibacterial properties that can fight infection in your urinary tract and bladder, so they’re great for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Cherries. Cherries contain anthocyanins which may aid in reducing inflammation throughout the body, including those found in artery walls that contribute to plaque buildup. Cherries also contain melatonin which helps you sleep better at night – getting enough sleep is important for lowering high cholesterol levels as it reduces stress hormones like cortisol which can raise LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in all cells of the body, including the blood. Cholesterol serves as a building block for cell membranes and helps produce hormones. It is also used by the body to make vitamin D, bile acids, and steroid hormones like cortisol and testosterone. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream on lipoproteins, which are proteins that carry different types of fats through the bloodstream. There are two types of lipoproteins: low-density lipoproteins (LDL), considered bad cholesterol because it can build up in arteries and lead to heart disease; and high-density lipoproteins (HDL), considered good cholesterol because it helps remove LDL particles from the body. High levels of both LDL and HDL cholesterol increase risk for heart disease, while lower levels increase risk for heart disease.
Fruits are a great way to lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.
High cholesterol is an indicator of heart disease in your future. It’s important to know what high cholesterol levels mean and how you can prevent them. Here are some things you should know about the condition:
There are different types of LDL cholesterol; small, dense LDL is associated with increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
LDL oxidation increases with age. Free radicals cause damage to LDL particles, which becomes oxidized (HMG-COA). This damages endothelial cells that line blood vessels, causing inflammation and plaque buildup.
High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease. Foods that reduce cholesterol naturally can help to lower your numbers.
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in the blood. It is made by the liver and is necessary for many bodily processes. However, high cholesterol can cause blockages in blood vessels and lead to heart disease.
The American Heart Association recommends that people with high cholesterol:
Achieve and maintain a healthy weight.*
Eat foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.*
Choose lean meat and low-fat dairy products.*
Limit foods high in saturated fat (such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products and tropical oils)
There are many fruits that can help lower cholesterol levels. These fruits are rich in antioxidants and fiber, which help to reduce the LDL cholesterol in your body.
Berries: Berries are one of the best sources of antioxidants, which helps to lower cholesterol levels. Some of the berries that can be consumed regularly to lower cholesterol include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries.
Apples: Apples are another good source of antioxidants and fiber, which is beneficial for the heart health. They also have a high content of pectin, which helps lower cholesterol levels in the body.
Pomegranate: Pomegranates are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, which can help lower your total cholesterol level as well as increase HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the body.
High blood cholesterol is a common condition that can lead to heart disease. It occurs when you have too much cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s made by the liver and found in some types of foods.
If you have too much cholesterol, it builds up on the walls of your arteries and forms plaque. This can narrow your arteries, raising your risk for heart attack, stroke and other problems.
Because high cholesterol can be linked to heart disease, controlling it is important for maintaining good health. If you’re at risk for high cholesterol or already have it, talk to your doctor about what you can do to keep your levels under control.