5 Best Foods For Reducing Cholesterol Levels

By Joanne Suan

Fight the war on high cholesterol with these natural foods. Knock down your Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels naturally. These powerful foods in conjunction with a healthy diet and consistent exercising can easily help you win the war against bad LDL high cholesterol. High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol at high levels is actually good for you as it aids in bringing down the LDL cholesterol levels.

*Oats

The message being driven home by a multitude of companies is that 'the oat' is a powerful, cholesterol-kicking agent. Coming from the proud country of Scotland, the oat is a big part of the diet there. Brought over to America by immigrants, the oat is now a very popular food and remains true to its roots in the proud state of Vermont.

The property of oat that helps in the fight against cholesterol is its soluble fiber. Soluble fiber makes it harder for LDL cholesterol to be absorbed into the blood stream while food is digesting in your intestines. Thus there is less bad LDL cholesterol that makes it into the bloodstream and therefore less to stick to and harden inside the walls of your arteries.

Oatmeal is not the only way to get your oats. Companies have added oats to cereal, bread and pasta thus giving you a wide variety of ways to consume your oats. Don't be afraid to put more oats in your diet. They really are good for you.

*Garlic

This little bulb has been around and used for centuries. The bulb was nailed to doors and hung around necks to ward off vampires and other evil spirits. Some believe that eating the bulb can increase desire or the body's chi. Garlic is also used heavily in Mediterranean and Chinese cooking, which is probably why you don't hear much about Chinese vampires, lol.

The natural antioxidants in garlic are just part of the link that it is thought allows it to fight cholesterol. The thought is the antioxidants keep the LDL from sticking to arteries. Somehow Garlic also seems to have the ability to lower high blood pressure. Garlic when added to a healthy diet can also keep at check many flu and flu symptoms.

Garlic is most often used in cooking, adding flavor to many different foods. The strong flavor and smell of garlic often prevents people from eating it raw. One of the favorite ways to take garlic is in pill form but ensure that the pill format has allicen as this is thought to be the active ingredient and some steam distilled garlic pills apparently dont have it.

*Onions

It is hard to speak of garlic without mentioning its cousin, the onion. Even more widely used than the garlic, it was heavily consumed in ancient times. One of its most surprising purposes was that the onion was used to pay rent.

The onion is an important source of the nutrient chromium and B6 vitamins. Both nutrients are linked to reducing cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. On top of its cholesterol controlling properties, the onion has other benefits including reducing the risk of cancer.

Tragically, there are only two ways to eat an onion, raw or cooked. Yet with such a wide variety of onions available, it is relatively easy to find a variety that appeases your taste buds. If you don't like the sharp taste of stronger onions, try the sweet variety.

*Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is another extremely strong toolin the war against high cholesterol. Produce mainly in Greece, Homer once stated that olive oil was liquid gold. The highly valued oil holds a high place for use in religious ceremonies. Perhaps its most unusual use was a mouthwash for bad breath.

Olive oil contains good fat or monounsaturated fat. These fats assist in your efforts to lower your cholesterol. Switching your high bad fats with these good fats is a simple way to keep those bad fats out of your system.

Olive oil can be bought in any supermarket as cooking oil. Companies are adding this cholesterol-lowering oil to salad dressings and in the creation of mayonnaise. Olive oil is also available to take as a supplement in pills.

*Primrose Oil

The primrose is one of the native plants of North and South America. The pretty yellow flowers open at night instead of during the day. Once it was known as Kings cureall, For its variety of unsubstantiated healing properties.

Primrose oil provides essential fatty acids to the cholesterol lowering equation. Primrose oil is also known to relieve eczema and ease the symptoms associated with PMS.

Primrose oil is available as a supplement. Usually found in pill form, it can be obtained in most grocery stores. If you are on existing medication or have a known heart or cardio related ailment, it is wise to consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement. If your doctor disapproves of any kind of supplement, consider alternate medical advice and see a certified naturopath.

Lowering your cholesterol is up to you. Combined with a healthy diet, these powerful foods will help you conquer those life threatening high ldl levels. You can conquer your high LDL cholesterol with the right food decisions. - 32389

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