ANTI-CHOLESTEROL FOODS
· Rushed lifestyles, ongoing stressful issues and the lure of sinful food items that surround us, make it hard to stay committed towards healthy eating choices.
· Cholesterol is the basic, core component of what turns into fat tissue in our bodies.
· Thus, if we can eat some cholesterol-busting foods, we are essentially eating away our fat.
1. Insoluble Fibre items
· Oatmeal contains a high concentration of insoluble fibre which prevents the bloodstream from retaining cholesterol.
· Margarine is enriched with plant sterols which are nature’s most potent cholesterol busters.
· Other sources of insoluble fibre include kidney beans, prunes, beans and barley.
2. Apples
· Eating apples regularly is the easiest way of lowering the concentration of bad ( or LDL) cholesterol.
· Apples are naturally equipped with anti-oxidants and pectin that help to lower and fight cholesterol.
3. Soy
· Soy contains a group of compounds called isoflavones, which are natural cholesterol-fighting agents.
· You can have soy in various forms like soy flour, nuts, granules and energy bars apart from soy milk and tofu.
4. Nuts
· Nuts are a healthy source of polyunsaturated fatty acids that help to reduce blood thickness and fight harmful cholesterol.
· Nuts also contain some amount of omega 3 fatty acids, which are effective cholesterol-fighting agents that help to control the blood pressure also.
· Maintain a steady, basic intake of various nuts such as pistachios, walnuts and almonds.
5. Olive Oil
· Olive oil contains oleic acid which is a powerful anti-oxidant effective for lowering blood cholesterol levels.
· It also contains sterols and stanols (phytosterols) and phenols that help to lower cholesterol.
· Olive oil is particularly recommended to those with a history of cardiovascular problems and elevated cholesterol levels.
· A variety of olive oil is available to choose from, including refined, virgin, extr virgin and even a blend of olive and pomace oils.