| The cholesterol in blood comes from two main | | | | hardening of the arteries, stroke, and heart |
| sources: the foods we eat and what we | | | | attack. Apple's insoluble fiber works to remove |
| manufacture. Cholesterol levels that are too high | | | | LDL from the body, while apple's fiber pectin |
| or too low in the blood can be a very dangerous | | | | reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol made in |
| factor, often leading to a heart attack or a | | | | the liver. |
| stroke. There are many people who take statin | | | | 6. Nuts are abundant in fiber, phytonutrients and |
| drugs to reduce their cholesterol. However, there | | | | antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. Nuts |
| are many natural foods that you can eat to help | | | | also contain plant sterols and the healthy fats |
| lower cholesterol safely and naturally without the | | | | (mono-and polyunsaturated). |
| use of dangerous statin drugs. You may notice a | | | | 7. Beans are high in soluble fiber; lowers the bad |
| substantial improvement in your cholesterol level | | | | cholesterol and raises the good cholesterol. Other |
| once you begin consuming these whole foods on | | | | foods high in soluble fiber include lentils, peas, and |
| a daily basis. | | | | ground flaxseeds. |
| Here is a list of the top 10 natural foods to help | | | | 8. Foods with Plant Sterols (or stanols) are |
| maintain a healthy cholesterol level in the body. | | | | powerful phytosterols found in plant membranes |
| | | | that may block cholesterol absorption. Sterols are |
| 1. Oat bran and brown rice bran are the best | | | | found naturally in several kinds of fruits, |
| foods for reducing cholesterol. They are rich in | | | | vegetables, nuts, seeds, cereals, legumes, and |
| soluble fiber, thereby lowers cholesterol levels by | | | | vegetable oils. |
| binding fats and heavy metals. | | | | 9. Olive oil has been known to reduce LDLs, raise |
| 2. Blueberries (organic) alone may help lower | | | | HDLs, and is rich in antioxidants. |
| cholesterol as effectively as statin drugs! Berries, | | | | 10. Soy protein -studies show that a total daily |
| in general, help prevent oxidation of bad | | | | intake of 25 grams of soy protein significantly |
| cholesterol and they are super abundant in | | | | lowers LDL cholesterol levels. Soy has a high |
| antioxidants. | | | | amount of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins |
| 3. Fish is a good source of protein and omega 3 | | | | and minerals. Soy products are also a great |
| fatty acids, which has been shown to lower LDL | | | | replacement for animal products. |
| cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol. Omega 3 | | | | Last but not least, it's important to keep in mind |
| fatty acids also help to lower triglyceride levels. | | | | that cholesterol is found only in animal products, |
| 4. Garlic contains allicin and can have a powerful | | | | not plant foods. Therefore, eating fewer animal |
| antioxidant effect. Lowers cholesterol levels and | | | | foods and more plant foods will lower the blood |
| blood pressure. | | | | cholesterol. If you already have high cholesterol, |
| 5. Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. | | | | temporarily changing to a vegetarian diet with fish |
| Apple's two kinds of fiber are useful for reducing | | | | and non-fat dairy products, such as yogurt may |
| cholesterol levels and for decreasing your risk of | | | | help lower your levels quickly. |