{"id":172124,"date":"2024-09-11T02:14:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-11T09:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/?p=172124"},"modified":"2024-09-10T17:08:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-11T00:08:57","slug":"helpful-tips-to-lower-cholesterol-via-your-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dherbs.com\/articles\/helpful-tips-to-lower-cholesterol-via-your-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"Helpful Tips To Lower Cholesterol Via Your Diet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Ahhh, cholesterol\u2026you\u2019ve seen it on nutritional labels and your doctors tell you to keep it in check to reduce the risk of heart disease. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the liver produces. You obtain it by eating dairy<\/a>, eggs, meat, and other animal products. The liver produces less cholesterol if you consume a lot from food sources, so dietary cholesterol doesn\u2019t usually have a huge impact on total cholesterol levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If that is the case, why should you worry about cholesterol? Well, eating foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat, trans fat, and sugar can elevate cholesterol levels. Keep in mind, though, that there are different types of cholesterol. \u201cGood\u201d HDL cholesterol is beneficial, while \u201cbad\u201d LDL cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. Oxidized LDL cholesterol is more likely to adhere to arterial walls and form plaques, which narrow the arteries. To learn some helpful tips to lower cholesterol<\/a> with your diet<\/strong>, continue reading.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is very common to season meals with salt and pepper. Excess salt intake can increase the risk of heart problems<\/a>, but you can achieve intense flavor in your food using less salt and more herbs and spices<\/a>. Garlic, turmeric, and ginger<\/a>, for example, offer great flavor and have proven effective at lowering cholesterol<\/a> when eaten regularly. Eating one clove of garlic per day for three months has proven to lower total cholesterol by 9%. Additionally, many herbs and spices contain antioxidants that help prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing, which reduces the formation of plaque.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trans fats, which you should avoid in general, occur naturally in dairy products<\/a> and red meats. Most people\u2019s primary source, however, is artificial trans fat, which is common in processed foods and restaurants<\/a>. Artificial trans fats are the result of hydrogenating, or adding hydrogen to, unsaturated fats like vegetable oils. That ultimately changes their structure to solidify them at room temperature. A lot of research indicates that artificial trans fats increase LDL cholesterol<\/strong> and lower HDL cholesterol. Watch out for words like \u201cpartially hydrogenated\u201d on ingredient lists. The good news is that artificial trans fats were banned from use in restaurants in 2018, so they are easier to avoid now.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Health experts agree that a Mediterranean-style diet is a great diet for longevity and improving heart health. The diet places a large emphasis on fruits, olive oil, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fish. It is very low in red meat and most dairy. This style of eating includes a lot of foods that help naturally lower cholesterol<\/strong> and avoids foods that elevate cholesterol levels. Research indicates that following a Mediterranean-style diet for three months can reduce LDL cholesterol<\/a> by an average 8.9 mg per deciliter (dL).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Studies have shown that adults who consume at least four servings of fruits and vegetables daily experience 6% lower LDL cholesterol levels than people who eat fewer servings. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory properties. All of these nutrients help prevent LDL cholesterol from oxidizing and forming plaques in the arteries. Additionally, researchers noted that people who consumed the most fruits and vegetables have a 17% lower risk of developing heart disease over 10 years compared to people who ate the least. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCook With Herbs And Spices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Avoid Artificial Trans Fats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Follow The Mediterranean Diet<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Eat A Lot Of Fruits And Vegetables<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Consume Soluble Fiber<\/h2>\n\n\n\n