Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Oatmeal contains soluble fiber, which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the "bad" cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears.
Several studies have shown that diets rich in cruciferous vegetables help lower the risk of cancer and heart disease. A recent study suggests that super broccoli can lower levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol by 6 percent.
According to Jarzabkowski, broccoli can help lower cholesterol because the soluble fiber in the vegetable binds with the cholesterol in the blood. This binding makes the cholesterol easier to excrete, and consequently lessens cholesterol levels in the body.
When it comes to cholesterol-lowering food, you can't go wrong with cruciferous vegetables of the Brassica family. Broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and Brussel's sprouts contain many valuable nutrients for the human body, and even fight cancer and heart disease.
Sadly, broccoli impacts the functioning of your thyroid gland, because it is goitrogen in nature. They are those chemicals which suppress the functioning of the thyroid gland. This chemical interferes with iodine in your body, due to which your thyroid gland enlarges and leads to goitre.
Health experts believe that plant based foods can actually help in reducing as well managing high cholesterol levels. Carrots are naturally loaded with minerals, vitamins, soluble fiber and antioxidants that help in lowering cholesterol levels in the body.
Research shows that sweet potatoes can lower your LDL "bad" cholesterol, which may lower your odds of heart problems. Macular degeneration. Large amounts of beta-carotene and vitamin A, which are in sweet potatoes, can lower your chances of getting this eye disease, which is the most common cause of vision loss.
Tomatoes are a significant source of a plant compound called lycopene, which reduces levels of LDL cholesterol. Research shows that the body absorbs more lycopene if the tomatoes are processed or cooked, so drink tomato juice and add tomatoes to your minestrone soup as well.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage decrease the risk of clogged arteries by lowering carotid intima-media thickness. These vegetables also reduce arterial calcification.
While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppress the body's production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.
The fiber and potassium in bananas can reduce the level of cholesterol and blood pressure. Banana is especially known as a good source of soluble fibre which will gives one a healthy body and good immune system.
Additionally, blueberries are considered a cholesterol-friendly food—they are high in LDL-lowering fiber and phytosterols, while also being low in saturated fat. There are many ways to include this delicious fruit in your cholesterol-lowering diet, including: blending blueberries into your favorite smoothie.
The bad cholesterol is called LDL and the good cholesterol is called HDL. When people have high cholesterol their LDL (bad) is high and their HDL (good) is low. Eating healthy, regular exercise and drinking plenty of water will help to bring down cholesterol levels within 2-3 weeks.
Eating cauliflower can help boost HDL cholesterol (the good kind) levels and lower blood pressure. 4. It strengthens your immune system. Choline, a nutrient found in cauliflower and other vegetables, helps with gastrointestinal health.
Broccoli contains isothiocyanates which are goitrogens and can alter iodine uptake, functioning of thyroid gland and can cause hypothyroidism. In some people it may cause headaches, nasal congestion, wheezing and skin rashes.
If they have any yellow or brown spots, that's a sign your broccoli is starting to spoil. If you notice fuzzy white or black patches growing on the florets or the stem, that tells you that mold is starting to form, and it's time to toss it.
Greek yogurt has been connected to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease. Cholesterol and triglycerides can harden or block your arteries over time, leading to heart disease or atherosclerosis.
Pears and apples have a lot of pectin, which is a type of fiber that can lower cholesterol. So do citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Berries are also high in fiber.