High cholesterol is a condition that is remarked by the presence of fatty substances in the blood. It then leads to the formation of plaque in the arteries, which impairs blood flow. Not only does the heart than have to work harder to pump the blood around the body, but it plaques also promote clot formation.
Moreover, plaques can cut off blood supply to the heart muscles, leading to heart attack, which can be fatal if severe. Clots can travel to the brain, and cause stroke, which causes brain cells to be deprived of oxygen, causing their death.
Irreparable damage to the brain can cause paralysis in the
Foods that help lower your cholesterol levels
best case, and death in the worst case. Hence, it is vital that you pay attention to high cholesterol levels.
Alongside following the instructions from the Best Cardiologist in Karachi, you can also take up food that will help you in this endeavor.
Some foods that can help you lower your cholesterol levels include:
Avocado
Avocadoes are not just good for making guacamole, but they are also great for your heart. They contain high quantities of good fats, that help in keeping the heart healthy. Moreover, avocadoes also contain fiber, that helps in lowering the quantity of bad cholesterol in the body.
Beans
Beans are not just delicious but are also great for your heart. Beans are high in soluble fiber, which helps in lowering the amount of the bad cholesterol in the blood then.
Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate does not only have to be your guilty pleasure, but also, something that makes your heart healthier.
The flavonoids in the dark chocolate help in decreasing the risk of heart disease. Research has also attributed its regular consumption towards decreasing bad cholesterol levels in the body.
However, the key is eating dark chocolate. Due to higher sugar content, and less of the cocoa powder, milk chocolate is not as effective for the heart as dark chocolate is. Hence, opt for dark chocolate with greater than 70% cocoa in it.
Fatty fish
Fatty fish is not only good for your brain but also great for your heart, which is why it is a part of the Mediterranean diet.
Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc. are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, that are great for your body. It also helps in preventing heart disease.
Olive oil
Olive oil is also great for the heart. It is rich in monosaturated fats, which are good for the heart. Moreover, monosaturated fats are also effective in lowering the low-density lipoprotein – LPL – cholesterol.
Use for cooking your food, try it asa dressing salad, substitute it as a spread; olive oil can be used in a myriad of ways. Its rich taste is a plus!
Nuts
Great for grazing and high in nutrient content, nuts offer good fats and cholesterol that helps in keeping your heart healthy. Moreover, nuts are also rich inomega-3 fatty alpha linolenic acid, which aids in lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Soy
Although not everyone’s cup of tea, soybeans are great for your heart. Found in foods like tofu, soy milk, etc. soybeans are effective for lowering bad cholesterol. They also hels in improving the amount of good cholesterol in the body as well.
Tea
A cuppa is not just good for the soul, but it also helps in keeping your heart strong. Tea contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents alongside polyphenols.
These compounds have been shown to be effective for preventing heart disease and lowering the risk of stroke.
Vegetables
Vegetables are rich in fiber, that then helps in lowering the bad cholesterol. Moreover, they are also high in antioxidants, low in calories and great source of nutrients.
You can also seek help from a dietician via oladoc.com to help you find a meal plan that can help you in lowering your cholesterol levels.