Cholesterol Lowering Foods That Taste Great!
Cholesterol levels are very important when it comes to leading a healthy life. Many Americans suffer from high levels of cholesterol. High cholesterol can be caused by foods that are high in cholesterol, smoking and lack of exercise, just to name a few. Most people are conscious of the foods that are high in cholesterol and try to stay away from them. There are actually a lot of foods that can help to lower cholesterol levels as well and many people are not aware of these wonder foods. Here are some foods that can help ease your high cholesterol levels.
Fiber Filled Foods
Fiber can be found in many foods. Fiber can benefit the body in many ways, including lowering cholesterol. Foods that are high in cholesterol include oatmeal, apples and prunes. You can also find foods in the grocery store that advertise high amounts of fiber, like granola and snack bars. Pay attention to the amount of fiber in different foods the next time you go to the grocery store.
Whole Grains
Many common foods can now be purchased as whole grain products. Whole grain can be found in foods like pancakes and bread. If given a choice, you should always choose the whole grain option. Consuming foods with whole grain will also lessen your chances of developing heart disease. It’s a win-win situation when it comes to whole grains!
Gobs of Garlic
Garlic is used in many dishes and food products because of its great flavor. Surprisingly, something so tasty can actually be good for you. Researchers have found that a component in garlic actually triggers the liver and forces it to stop producing cholesterol. Garlic works to lower cholesterol when both raw and cooked. Next time you prepare a meal throw a little more garlic in!
Seafood
Seafood, fish in particular, is a great source of fiber. This is a tasty way to get your fiber fix. Salmon is the fish that has the most fiber, as well as protein. The unique thing about the fiber found in fish is that is decreases the amount of bad cholesterol and actually increases the production of good cholesterol.
Nuts, Nuts and More Nuts
Many varieties of nuts contain large amounts of fiber. Nuts also filled with protein, reduce the chances of heart disease and increase the elasticity of arteries. The varieties of nuts with the most fiber are walnuts and pistachios. The only disadvantage of eating nuts is the high amounts of calories they contain.
Get Your Veggies
Vegetables, specifically ones that are dark green in color, are filled with fiber. This includes vegetables like cabbage, collard greens and spinach. You will consume more fiber by eating these foods raw. Drinking juice made from these vegetables will not give you any fiber. Dark green vegetables are extremely beneficial to the body because they also contain vitamin C and can lower blood pressure.
These are just some of the foods that can actually lower your cholesterol. Eating these types of foods will also benefit your body in many other ways!
