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Last Updated: Apr 10, 2020
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Foods That Can Help Lower Cholesterol Levels!

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Dt. Homesh MandawliyaDietitian/Nutritionist • 12 Years Exp.Ditetics & Food Service Management, Bsc Human Nutrition, Diploma in pharmacy
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It is a proven fact that apart from timely medications, food plays a vital role in lowering cholesterol. Hence, having a balanced and timely diet holds the utmost importance to keep the ill effects of cholesterol at bay.

Here is a list of 10 foods that contribute to a great extent in lowering the cholesterol level:

  1. Oats: Changing the morning meal is the first action you should take. Oatmeal can bring down the LDL level to a staggering 5.3 percent in a matter of 6 weeks. It contains beta-glucan, which is capable of absorbing the LDL present in the blood.
  2. Red wine: You can cheer to reduced cholesterol with a glass of red wine in hand. A study conducted by the Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain found that red wine can reduce the cholesterol level up to 9 percent owing to a vital component known as Rioja present in it.
  3. Salmon Fish: Fatty and salmon fish contains Omega-3 fatty acids. They are known to be extremely effective for diseases such as dementia, cardiovascular diseases and many more. A study conducted by the Loma Linda University found that Omega-3 can increase the HDL by up to 4 percent. 
  4. Nuts: Nuts can reduce the cholesterol by up to 9.3 percent, a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition revealed. 1.5 oz of regular consumption of nuts greatly helps in bringing down cholesterol. Since nuts are very rich in protein, portion control is necessary to refrain from putting on weight.
  5. Beans: A research conducted by the Arizona State Polytechnic University revealed that adding beans to soup can bring down the LDL up to 8 percent. Owing to their rich fibre content, they effectively absorb cholesterol. Some of the beans that can be tried include kidney, black and pinto beans.
  6. Cocoa: A study conducted by the AJCN reported that the daily intake of cocoa increases the HDL by over 20 percent in 3 months. Due to its high antioxidant content, it streamlines the blood flow and doesn’t let platelets stick together.
  7. Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic per day can dramatically reduce cholesterol-limiting LDL into the artery. It can prevent other conditions such as blood pressure, infections and blood clotting. Garlic can be consumed with any regular dish. 
  8. Olive oil: Olive oil has multiple health benefits. It contains a compound known as MUFAs that lowers cholesterol and helps to get rid of abdomen fats. You can use it with salads, roasted vegetables and marinated chicken.
  9. Avocado: Avocado contains monounsaturated fat that helps to raise the level of HDL and lower the LDL level in the body. It contains Beta-sitosterol that absorbs cholesterol and brings down the count of it in the body. Owing to its high-calorie content, portion size should be looked into.
  10. Margarine: Two margarine can lower the LDL level up to 14 %. They are capable of absorbing cholesterol from the bile. It can be consumed with toast in the morning or as a snack in the evening.

These 10 food items have ultimate benefits for the consumer. These must be included in the daily diet by all of us to ensure lower level of cholesterol in the body.

In case, you already have an elevated level of cholesterol, you must immediately visit a Dietitian/Nutritionist.

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