Both green and black tea can help lower cholesterol levels. Green tea is prepared from unfermented leaves and black tea from fully fermented leaves of the same plant. Researchers believe that catechins, a type of antioxidant found in tea, are responsible for its cholesterol-lowering effect.
Some of the best drinks for cholesterol management include green tea, pomegranate juice, citrus juice, soy milk, plant-based smoothies, and red wine.
Oolong tea
It reduces the risk of developing bad cholesterol levels. It can prevent poor development of bad cholesterol level. Oolong tea also helps in the management of blood sugar levels. These factors altogether reduce the risk of heart diseases.
Some studies suggest that adding ginger to your diet can help reduce not only LDL cholesterol but also total cholesterol and triglycerides. This could help you lower your risk of heart problems and other cholesterol-related health issues. Drinking ginger tea can be a healthy addition to your day.
Recommended Daily Green Tea Dosage
It is recommended to take 2 to 6 cups of premium green tea every day to reap its cholesterol-controlling benefits. It is estimated that a single cup of the tea can reduce your cholesterol levels by up to 0.58 mg/dL.
People with peptic ulcers or acid reflux should not consume green tea excessively. A 1984 study concluded that tea is a potent stimulant of gastric acid, which can be reduced by adding milk and sugar. 2.
One animal study found that green and black tea were equally effective at preventing blood vessel plaque formation by 26% at the lowest dose and up to 68% at the highest dose ( 4 ). The study also found that both types of tea helped reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides ( 4 ).
Apples, grapes, strawberries, citrus fruits.
These fruits are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that lowers LDL.
Lemon Juice and Cholesterol Levels
According to the latest research, lemon juice may help lower cholesterol levels and improve cardiovascular health. These benefits are largely due to the high levels of flavonoids and vitamin C found in the juice.
Cholesterol Considerations
Unfiltered coffee—boiled or espresso—can slightly elevate cholesterol levels, making it a bad bet if your cholesterol is already high. Green and black teas, however, may actually lower cholesterol. This makes them a safe bet for most older adults.
Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods
Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, Brussels sprouts, apples and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce the absorption of cholesterol into your bloodstream. Five to 10 grams or more of soluble fiber a day decreases your LDL cholesterol.
Lung Chen Tea, a Chinese green tea, has been found to lower serum and liver cholesterol.
The best dairy milk for people with high cholesterol is fat-free or skim milk. Plant-based milks, such as soy milk, almond milk, or oat milk, are cholesterol-free alternatives to cow's milk.
Reduce Risk of Heart Disease
Honey has been shown to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels by 6%, triglyceride levels by 11%, and potentially boost HDL (good) cholesterol levels.
Full-fat yogurt
Research associates increased intake of full-fat fermented dairy products with reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as a lower risk of stroke, heart disease, and diabetes ( 23 ).
Broccoli in particular is plentiful in soluble fiber, which does wonders for high cholesterol. Other cholesterol-busting vegetables to consider include spinach, Brussels sprouts and collard greens.
Several animal studies have shown that vinegar can reduce blood triglycerides, cholesterol, and blood pressure. However, there is no strong evidence that it leads to a reduced risk of heart disease in humans.
Niacin is a B vitamin. Doctors sometimes suggest it for patients with high cholesterol or heart concerns. It increases the level of good cholesterol and reduces triglycerides, another fat that can clog arteries. You can get niacin from foods, especially liver and chicken, or from supplements.
Eating Blueberries May Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease, Study Suggests. The findings support past research that shows the antioxidant-packed berries lower cholesterol and improve how the arteries function.
Best for Overall Health: Green Tea
When it comes to tea, green tea gets the gold. “Green tea is the champ when it comes to offering health benefits,” says Czerwony. “It's the Swiss Army knife of teas.
Consider Decaf
Some research suggests that caffeinated coffee is more likely to raise cholesterol than decaf. There isn't a proven connection, but switching to decaf or half caf/half decaf might be a good choice if you are concerned about your cholesterol levels.