Longevity is a term that can refer to lifespan, or lifespan and health-span. The internet has no shortage of articles supplying you with tips and tricks that tell you how to increase your longevity. Truly, why not? Most people want to live longer, especially if there is a possibility to harness the vitality of younger years at an older age. Longevity also comes with a happiness bonus, as feeling and looking younger tends to make people a lot happier. 

A 2025 McKinsey report found that up to 60% of people regard healthy aging as a top priority. Many supplements claim to promote longevity or reverse aging, but that isn’t always the case. Many health experts are divided on what really works to promote longevity. Some experts believe that some supplements are more context-dependent, or depend on a person’s specific needs. Although the consensus for the perfect longevity supplement is not yet determined, health experts believe the following supplements may offer some help. 

Omega-3s

The research on omega-3s for longevity is limited, but some clinical trials suggest that they may slow biological aging (the age of cells) by up to four months. That is especially true when you take omega-3 supplements in conjunction with vitamin D and regular exercise. Omega-3s offer anti-inflammatory properties and support cardiovascular health. Most people do not get enough omega-3s in their diet, so supplementing may help meet daily requirements. Health experts note that although fish oil benefits healthy aging, it does not slow aging or offer longevity benefits. 

Vitamin D

Research confirms that low vitamin D levels can increase the risk of age-related illnesses, such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. Daily supplementation with about 2,000 I.U. of vitamin D may help slow the way cells age. Considering nearly 40% of Americans are vitamin D deficient, a daily supplement may help longevity and overall health. At this time, the data and research is still emerging on whether or not vitamin D is beneficial for its longevity benefits. 

Magnesium

Low magnesium levels are more common in old age and may increase inflammation and free radical damage as a result. Both inflammation and an overabundance of free radicals are associated with age-related illness and the general aging process. Taking a magnesium supplement may help you maintain optimal magnesium levels, which can contribute to healthy aging. Some animal studies indicate that magnesium can improve longevity, but that research does not exist in humans yet. A magnesium supplement may benefit longevity because it is relatively low risk with positive data supporting its usage. 

Protein Supplements

Muscle loss is a natural part of the aging process, and that can affect physical function. It may also increase the risk of hospitalization (as a result of falling) and lead to loss of independence. Studies suggest that combining a protein supplement with an active lifestyle can help older adults build and retain muscle mass. Adding protein to your meal, especially plant protein, has been linked to a greater chance of healthy aging. People consume far less protein than they need to maintain or gain muscle mass. Although sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass) is slow, silent, and it begins earlier than you think. 

Some longevity supplements are overhyped, especially resveratrol, ashwagandha, berberine, and NAD. Those supplements may help other aspects of your health, but there is little to no evidence that they improve mechanisms involved with aging and longevity.

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The body needs vitamin D, along with calcium, to build bones and keep them healthy. If the body does not have enough vitamin D, it cannot effectively absorb calcium. Vitamin D is not reserved for the formation of healthy bones; rather, it is involved with immune and muscle function and it helps keep brain cells healthy. 

That brings us to new research, which found that people with higher vitamin D levels in middle age may have a lower risk of developing dementia. For the study, researchers measured vitamin D blood levels in about 800 adults with an average age of 39 at the beginning of the study. Nearly 16 years later when they were in their 50s, participants had PET scans of their brains to measure the accumulation of tau and beta-amyloid proteins, both of which are tied to increased dementia risk. 

Researchers found that adults with higher vitamin D levels at the beginning of the study had lower levels of tau protein on brain scans taken at middle age. Vitamin D may play an integral role in preventing or slowing down changes in diseases like Alzheimer’s or dementia. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects in the brain, enhancing antioxidant activity and reducing the  amount of abnormal tau protein. 

Higher Vitamin D Levels Associated With Less Tau Buildup

The participants in the study had an average vitamin D blood level of 38 nanogram per milliliter (ng/ml). Measurements below 30 ng/ml were considered low, and nearly one-third of participants fell into this group. Those with high vitamin D levels had less tau buildup in their 50s, including areas of the brain where that protein tends to accumulate first in people who develop dementia. 

Researchers noted that the connection between high vitamin D levels and reduced tau buildup remained steadfast throughout the study. That was even when researchers accounted for several factors that could impact that association, including sex, age, and the exact amount of time from the start of the study to the end. However, the study did not find a link between midlife vitamin D levels and later amyloid buildup. Researchers stated that that is possible because tau buildup begins earlier in the progression of dementia, whereas amyloid tends to build up later in life. 

The Study Had Some Limitations

It’s important to note that the study was not a controlled experiment designed to prove whether or how specific vitamin D levels could directly prevent or slow the progression of dementia. For example, one of the study’s limitations was that the participants were predominantly white. That means the results the researchers found may not apply to people from other racial or ethnic groups. 

Another drawback is that researchers observed vitamin D levels at a single point in time. That makes it near impossible to determine how any changes in vitamin D levels over the years could impact future dementia risk. Even still, the study suggests that vitamin D levels may be a potential risk factor for dementia that people can control. 

What the study results suggest is that low levels of vitamin D in midlife may be a modifiable target to reduce dementia later in life. The results do not prove that vitamin D causes or prevents dementia, though. More studies will be necessary before vitamin D checks are recommended in the community.

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Dishes made with sweet potatoes tend to enhance their inherent sweetness using maple syrup, agave, or other spices. That is not the case for this recipe. We are going in the complete opposite direction and presenting you with a lovely, spiced soup. Because sweet potatoes are, well, sweet, they lend themselves to aromatic, Moroccan spices, such as coriander, cumin, cinnamon, caraway, turmeric, and paprika. So a spiced soup like this one is what we made!

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, making them filling options for people who do not eat meat. They are also rich sources of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body. Sweet potatoes also contain good amounts of vitamin C, potassium, B-vitamins, and several minerals. They are not, however, rich in protein, which is why we included chickpeas in this recipe. Not only are chickpeas rich in protein, but they also contain a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Due to their neutral flavor, chickpeas take on a variety of flavors and don’t impose their own mild flavor on anything.

If you want to cook this soup, your spice cabinet needs to be ready. Make sure to clearly check the ingredient list because, like most Moroccan recipes, this one contains a long list of spices. They all come together to create incredible depth of flavor, and the burst of lemon that you add at the very end livens up everything. Garnish with fresh parsley, sea salt and pepper, and even some crispy chickpeas if you want to go the extra mile.

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A lot of people struggle with energy crashes, cravings, or mood swings between meals. You can attribute all of that to food and beverage choices that you make during the day. These choices cause blood sugar to fluctuate more than you realize, but the good news is that you can implement certain snacking strategies to make a difference in your day. 

Choosing the right snacks can help slow glucose absorption, reduce insulin spikes, and keep energy steady throughout the day. Research indicates that foods that are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein digest more slowly, leading to more stable blood sugar levels. Not to mention, you can avoid overeating when you eat foods rich in those nutrients, as they encourage satiety. Instead of fearing snacks, just find the healthiest ones to eat. 

Build Balanced Snacks

Nutrient density is key when choosing the best snacks to balance blood sugar levels. High-protein foods (yogurt, nuts, and seeds) work to increase satiety hormones, including peptide YY and GLP-1. Fiber-rich foods (chia seeds, berries, and vegetables) help reduce glucose-spikes because fiber slows stomach emptying and makes you feel full. Healthy fats, such as those in avocados, nuts, and seeds, boost satiety. Together, protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help prevent rapid blood sugar spikes, maintain slower digestion, and keep glucose levels steady. 

Avoid Refined Carbs And Added Sugars

This can be very difficult to do because traditional snack foods tend to contain these ingredients. Highly processed snacks (chips, cookies, and sugary bars) cause rapid glucose spikes followed by crashes. Steer clear of refined carbs, added sugars, and ultra-processed snack foods and prioritize the following:

• Whole Foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains)
• Complex carbohydrates
• Minimal added sugar
• Pair Carbs Strategically

If you eat carbs, such as fruit or crackers, make sure to combine them with protein or healthy fats. That will curb their effects and slow their absorption. Consider eating apple slices with almond butter, for example. 

Choose Low Glycemic Foods

Glycemic index ranks carbohydrate-containing foods from 0-100. The rating is based on how quickly the foods raise blood sugar. Foods with a high glycemic index cause fast blood sugar spikes, whereas low glycemic foods produce gradual increases that support steady energy. Examples of low glycemic foods include:

• Non-starchy vegetables
• Berries
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes

Snack With Intention

Snack like you mean it, people! That’s not the intention of this point; rather, it is to explain that snacks should be eaten to prevent excessive hunger. You want to support energy between meals and not replace balanced meals. 

Blood Sugar Friendly Snacks

Below, you will find a list of snacks that help support stable blood sugar levels. Happy snacking!

• Celery sticks with nut butter: The celery provides crunch and volume, while the nut butter offers healthy fats and protein. 
• Edamame: Edamame is a type of soybean that delivers plant-based protein, fiber, and complex carbs, making it a great snack for sustained energy. 
• Greek yogurt with berries: Berries are low glycemic fruits that are naturally rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C. Yogurt provides probiotics and protein for sustained energy. 
• Apples with peanut or almond butter: A wonderful pairing that delivers fiber from the apple and healthy fats and protein from the nut butter. This snack helps slow how quickly the body absorbs sugar. 
• Hummus with non-starchy vegetables: Hummus provides plant protein and fiber, while non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers and cucumbers offer additional fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 
• Nuts and seeds: A small portion (a handful) of nuts and seeds supplies healthy fats and protein, making them a stabilizing snack for steady blood sugar levels. 
• Roasted chickpeas: Make them in the oven or the air fryer! Roasted chickpeas are the perfect crunchy snack that’s rich in fiber, some protein, and a little bit of fat. 
• Smoothie: You can build a healthy smoothie with fruits, vegetables, nut butters, and even plant-based protein power. A smoothie is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and healthy fats, provided you include nuts or nut butters.

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Dining out with high cholesterol can seem like an unenjoyable experience, but only if you don’t know how to tackle the menu. You can still enjoy family nights out, festive occasions, or even romantic dinners at your favorite restaurants. All you have to do is educate yourself about the best low-cholesterol choices. 

In order to understand how to manage high cholesterol, you have to know what you’re eating. Reading the menu carefully and identifying problematic ingredients is paramount. How do you know what to look for, though? While going to healthier restaurants and making your own food is the best plan of attack, it may not be sustainable for everyone. This article aims to educate you on how to dine out if you have high cholesterol. 

If Eating Chinese Cuisine, Go For Steamed Instead Of Fried

Chinese restaurants usually have a lot of fried food options, but there are many low-cholesterol options to choose from. Instead of enjoying deep fried egg rolls, opt for spring rolls that are steamed. Better yet, see if you can roll the ingredients in lettuce leaves! Steamed rice is a better choice than fried rice, but try to ask for brown rice if it is available. For your main course options, seafood can be a good choice, especially if the protein is steamed. Boiled or broiled seafood entrees are also good options. Just remember to eat shrimp in moderation and choose entrees with lots of vegetables. Resist dishes with a lot of oil if you want to care for your arteries!

Go For Vegetables And Skip Ghee At Indian Restaurants

There are many vegetarian dishes at Indian restaurants, which is great if you want to eat on the healthier side. Chickpeas are a common ingredient in Indian cuisine, and a heart-healthy legume to consider. Try to order dishes with plenty of vegetables, but stay away from heavy dishes with ghee, which is clarified butter made from buffalo’s or cow’s milk. Just as in the above explanation about Chinese cuisine, ask if the dishes can be made with minimal oil, provided the dishes are made to order and not in large pots. 

Skip The Sour Cream At Mexican Restaurants

Believe it or not, one of the healthier dishes (and perhaps most eye-catching) to order when eating at a Mexican restaurant is fajitas. They usually contain a lot of vegetables and don’t have fried components. Black beans tend to be a better choice, since they are rich in soluble fiber. That said, some restaurants over-salt the beans, no matter what type they are. Try to choose corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas, because corn tortillas contain fewer calories and less sodium, sugar, and saturated fat than flour tortillas. If possible, choose grilled fish as your protein because it is a leaner protein with lower fat and sodium content. Lastly, resist ordering nachos as an appetizer and skip the sour cream and queso, opting for pico de gallo instead.

Avoid Saturated Fats And Limit Fatty Meals

There has been an interesting development in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It no longer includes a specific limit for dietary cholesterol, but that isn’t an excuse to eat carelessly. The USDA guidelines and other dietitians advise people to eat as little cholesterol as possible. One study followed 30,000 men and women who did not have cardiovascular disease at the beginning of the study. After a 17-year period, researchers noted that for every 300 milligrams of cholesterol that participants added to their daily diet, they increased their risk of cardiovascular disease by 17%. 

Health experts suggest that cholesterol you eat impacts your blood cholesterol levels, but that isn’t the only factor to consider. Maintaining a balanced diet is the best way to manage your cholesterol levels. Reducing your consumption of meat, especially processed meats like bacon, sausage, and deli meat, can go a long way in reducing cholesterol and your risk of heart disease. Many foods that are rich in cholesterol, including high-fat dairy, bakery items, and fatty meats, also have a higher content of saturated or trans fats, both of which elevate cholesterol. For this reason, do your best to avoid these foods when you dine out. Such foods include pizza, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and casseroles. Additionally, watch out for cheesy foods, palm oil, cookies, snack foods, and cakes. 

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If potato chips were healthy for you, a lot more people would not be searching for dietary advice. People love to snack, though, and chips are highly addictive. With this recipe, we are aiming to give snackers a more nutritious option to satisfy their salty, crunchy cravings. Air fryer peas are seasoned perfectly and easy to prepare. They won’t last long if you have people over, so make sure to hide them for yourself or make extra.

Unlike a bag of chips, these air fryer peas are only good for about three to four days, so long as you store them in an airtight container. That is because they do not contain preservatives, flavoring agents, excess sodium, and other ingredients that extend their shelf life. Should you have specific seasonings that you want to use instead of the ones listed in the recipe, feel free to do so. For example, you can use chili powder, a squeeze of lime juice, and sea salt if you want a chili lime seasoning. You can also keep it simple and only season the peas with sea salt and black pepper.

A lot of people neglect green peas, and we don’t know why. They have classically been the vegetable in frozen TV dinners, cafeteria lunches, and other similar meals. People just leave them and focus on the other components of the meal. They happen to be rich in vitamins A, C, and K, folate, manganese, fiber, thiamine, protein, and polyphenol antioxidants. Because they are rich in both fiber and protein, they help fill you up and curb cravings. By snacking on these, you may realize that you don’t need to eat the entire batch because they actually fill you up, unlike chips.

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Working out is many things: exhilarating, fun, challenging, and it provides a long list of health benefits. What is not so enjoyable is the post-workout soreness that you experience after an intense workout session. Perhaps you joined a Pilates studio or you recently started hiking more seriously. If so, then you are familiar with the pain that can permeate your limbs the next day, but as unpleasant as the pain may be, sore muscles are quite normal after working out. 

The official term for this post-workout muscle pain is “delayed onset muscle soreness.” You can typically start to experience this pain a few hours after you finish your workout. That is especially true if you don’t exercise regularly, or if you haven’t done so in a long time. Trying a new workout routine, circuit, or even a new move can cause post-exercise muscle soreness. 

How To Alleviate This Pain

One of the easiest ways to help ease the pain is by using a foam roller, which is a cylindrical device made of foam. Depending on the type of foam roller, it can be softer or harder. Some of them vibrate to add a percussive massage element, while others are extra firm and textured, which enhances the intensity. These rollers help loosen tight muscles, getting rid of knots and reducing muscle soreness in the process. 

You can roll any area of the body that experiences pain or discomfort. The different lengths, shapes, and densities make the recovery fully customizable to your needs. Good foam rollers can be expensive because cheaper materials will dent or lose firmness over time. Invest in a quality foam roller to experience the following benefits. 

Localized Pain Relief

By using foam rollers or massage guns, you can target specific portions of a tight muscle. Doing so can provide near instantaneous relief, even if the area is extremely sore or tender. If you have experienced localized pain relief in an area due to stretching, you can expect a bigger benefit from foam rolling instead. The foam roller not only works to stretch the muscle, but also targets the sore area of the muscle belly. As long as you apply the proper amount of pressure and avoid a direct pressure point on bony structures, you can experience relief. 

Improved Passive Range Of Motion

Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release that can help improve flexibility and muscle recovery. Since foam rolling loosens the muscle fibers, you can expect a direct improvement in flexibility following your session. By foam rolling, you can improve localized range of motion by 10-15% temporarily. That is more important for people who regularly engage in activities that require a large range of motion. That said, it is equally beneficial for people who need help maintaining day-to-day activities. 

Improved Mobility 

There is a difference between flexibility and mobility. Although the two are related, they are not the same. Improving passive range of motion through flexibility training has a direct affect on your ability to move through larger ranges of motion (mobility). Foam rolling directly improves mobility as a result of improving passive range of motion. 

Increased Blood Flow

One study reported a 75% increase in total blood flow to an area directly after foam rolling. Not only does improved blood flow enhance recovery of the affected tissues, but it also helps prepare the body for movement or activity. This can help reduce delayed onset muscle soreness when applied post workout or after a strenuous activity. 

Accelerated Recovery From Strenuous Activity

By improving blood flow to the area and reducing inflammation, foam rolling can help muscles recover more quickly after engaging in strenuous activity. Foam rolling is also relaxing, and the enjoyability of a recovery tool is extremely crucial, as it makes you want to do it more often. Various studies confirm that foam rolling after strenuous activity increases anti-inflammatory proteins and reduces pro-inflammatory proteins. That results in less inflammation and aids recovery.

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Whether you know it or not, the things you do in the morning have a big impact on your blood sugar. Glucose, or blood sugar, levels rise when you wake up because of natural hormonal shifts in the body that help you feel alert. Certain habits, such as not moving, skipping fiber, or starting the day with sugary drinks, can cause blood sugar spikes. Dietitians claim that the very common mistakes in this article increase blood sugar levels. We also offer advice on how to correct those morning mistakes. 

Skipping Breakfast

People who adhere to intermittent fasting, which limits food intake to certain hours of the day, can benefit from skipping breakfast. According to research, though, extended fasting can increase cortisol secretion and alter its daily rhythm. Stress hormone levels may stay elevated for a longer time, which can increase blood sugar. Waiting to eat until you are overly hungry can cause overeating or increased cravings throughout the day. Some people with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or those who notice energy crashes later in the day should be cautious about skipping breakfast. 

If you feel like skipping breakfast causes feelings of tiredness or increased cravings, try to eat no more than one to two hours after you wake up. If you are intermittent fasting, make sure that your first meal is nutrient-dense, containing fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

Not Planning Ahead

If you rush in the morning from the moment you wake up to the second you get to work, you are more likely to skip meals and grab an unhealthy, convenient option. Ideally, you should plan to have breakfast ready in the fridge, so it is ready when you wake up. That makes it much easier to prioritize fiber and protein. Set time aside in the evening to prepare simple meals, such as egg bites, overnight oats, or chia pudding. You can even prepare make ahead smoothie bags!

Being Sedentary

Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have made it incredibly convenient to remain in bed or sit down scrolling social media or checking emails. Research confirms that being sedentary in the morning can lead to higher glucose levels, especially if you eat a pastry at the same time. A sedentary morning means that your active muscles use glucose for energy. A short amount of activity, even a 10-15 minute walk, a yoga session, light stretching, or squats and push-ups, can significantly improve blood glucose levels. Try to incorporate light movement into your morning routine. Even 10 minutes of bodyweight exercises can set the tone for the rest of your day. 

Drinking Coffee Before You Eat Anything

There are people with cups, shirts, or signs that say things like “coffee first” or “don’t talk to me before coffee.” For some people, drinking coffee on an empty stomach only adds to the body’s natural morning rise in blood glucose. Cortisol, as we mentioned earlier, is a stress hormone that naturally increases in the morning to help the body wake up. It signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, but caffeine only intensifies that process. If you have insulin resistance and drink coffee before eating food, glucose can remain elevated for a lot longer than normal.

It is better to enjoy your coffee with protein-rich foods, such as Greek yogurt, nuts, oatmeal, or eggs. You can even enjoy a fruit and vegetable smoothie with protein powder, or mix a little protein powder into your coffee. Just be mindful that the flavor of your powder matters when mixing it into coffee. 

Eating Carbs Without Fat, Fiber, Or Protein

A muffin or plain toast is very convenient to eat in the morning, but the body digests those refined carbs very quickly. The body’s quick digestion of those refined carbs can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose and then an inevitable crash. That back and forth swing can trigger cravings, a cycle of inconsistent energy, and fatigue. Refined carbs are naturally low in fiber, which you can find in foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Fiber is one of the best nutrients you can eat to stabilize blood sugar. Protein and healthy fats also slow the rate at which the body digests carbs, which can help control spikes. 

Try your best to avoid refined carbs altogether and focus your efforts on protein-rich and fiber-dense meals. Try to consume oatmeal and chia pudding with berries or Greek yogurt with nuts and seeds. There are many other meal options that include healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Search the internet and find recipes that inspire you!

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Protein balls are not just chalky, dry snacks you find at health food stores. Those snacks are that way because manufacturers use tons of protein powder and other ingredients that are not as natural as the ones in this recipe. You don’t need protein powder to have protein in your diet. Hemp hearts, for example, are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot make on its own. Additionally, about 25% of their total calories come from high-quality, easily digestible protein, containing about 11 grams per three tablespoons.

These protein balls are the perfect meal prep snack and come together without the need for an oven. Just blend, mix, roll, refrigerate, and enjoy. In addition to the protein-rich hemp hearts, these protein balls contain cashews, which are full of healthy fats and protein. A one-quarter cup serving of cashews provides five grams of protein and a whopping 80% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of copper. Copper aids the creation of red blood cells and connective tissue while supporting immune function. Several studies found a link between low copper intake and an increased risk of osteoporosis, which is a health condition defined by weak and brittle bones.

Should you have an aversion to cashews, you can replace them with raw almonds, raw macadamia nuts, or raw walnuts. You can also replace the hemp seeds with chia seeds, but the protein content will decrease. Sunflower seeds and flax seeds will also work as replacements. One thing that you cannot replace is the lemon juice or lemon zest. In fact, these are pretty key if you want to achieve that signature lemon flavor. You could try replacing lemon with lime or orange, but keep the same measurements even with a different citrus twist.

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Statins are prescription drugs that people take to lower their levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Health experts refer to LDL cholesterol as “bad” because of the fact that it builds up inside the arteries, making it harder for blood to move through them. Statins work by interfering when the liver produces cholesterol. They also help to lower triglycerides and may even increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. Unlike LDL, HDL brings cholesterol to the liver, which gets it out of the body. 

Before getting on statins, some people want to see if they can lower LDL cholesterol with lifestyle changes. We encourage that decision and although diet and exercise may not lower cholesterol for everyone, a lot of people can benefit from healthier habits, some of which we detail in this article. If your cholesterol levels are already in normal range, you can help maintain them with the Dherbs Cholesterol Formula. To help lower cholesterol before statins, consider the following tips. 

Consider The Portfolio Diet

The Portfolio Diet is a plant-based eating plan that emphasizes foods that are naturally rich in fiber and healthy fats. Conceived some 20 years ago, the diet has a proven ability to lower LDL cholesterol, but none of the trials proving this lasted more than six months. For this reason, more long-term studies are necessary. When followed consistently, though, research suggests that the Portfolio Diet may lower LDL cholesterol by up to 30%, an effect comparable to a first-generation statin for some people. 

Move Your Body Every Day

Exercise is a powerful and easily accessible tool that may help lower cholesterol levels naturally. Ideally, engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, in addition to two days of strength training. Physical activity helps to elevate HDL cholesterol, lower triglycerides, and reduce visceral fat, which is metabolically active fat stored around internal organs that contributes to cardiovascular risk. People who lose between 5% to 10% of body weight can significantly improve cholesterol levels. 

Prioritize Fiber

Fiber is an often overlooked nutrient, with many people not getting enough every day. In fact, more than 90% of women and 97% of men do meet the recommended daily fiber intake. Not all fiber works the same regarding cholesterol, though. Soluble fiber exhibits the strongest LDL-lowering effect. It forms a gel-like substance in the gut, binding to cholesterol in the gastrointestinal tract and escorting it out to prevent reabsorption. Great sources of soluble fiber include:

• Apples
• Barley
• Beans
• Chia seeds
• Flaxseed
• Lentils
• Oats
• Psyllium husk

Build Your Plate Around Whole Plant-Based Foods

If you want to lower cholesterol levels in a meaningful way, eat more whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. All of these foods contain plant sterols, which are natural compounds that resemble cholesterol, which helps block the body’s absorption of it in the digestive tract. The sterols in vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, whole grains, vegetables, and certain fortified foods can all help lower cholesterol. In fact, getting two grams of plant sterols daily can lower LDL cholesterol by up to 12%. 

Reduce Intake Of Refined Carbs And Added Sugars

Health experts always suggest people to steer clear of saturated and trans fats if they are concerned about LDL cholesterol. Avoiding these types of fats can also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Refined carbs and added sugars are just as dangerous, as they can raise triglycerides and increase cardiovascular risk. Sugary drinks, white bread, packaged pastries, and ultra-processed snacks contribute to insulin resistance, which affects cholesterol levels. It is better to consume whole grains and limit your consumption of added sugars to help improve triglycerides and HDL cholesterol levels. 

Some Natural Supplements May Help

Before you decide to take supplements to help naturally lower cholesterol levels, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. Some products can come with side effects or may interact with other medications or supplements that you already take. Certain supplements, though, have some proven ability to lower cholesterol. For example, psyllium supplements can lower LDL cholesterol by about 7%. Omega-3 supplements can also help reduce triglycerides, but they don’t significantly lower LDL levels.

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