5 Foods to Stave Off Cholesterol

Fight the war on high cholesterol with these natural foods. Knock down your Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol levels naturally. These powerful foods in conjunction with a healthy diet and consistent exercising can easily help you win the war against bad LDL high cholesterol. High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol at high levels is actually good for you as it aids in bringing down the LDL cholesterol levels.

*Oats

The message being driven home by a multitude of companies is that ‘the oat’ is a powerful, cholesterol-kicking agent. Coming from the proud country of Scotland, the oat is a big part of the diet there. Brought over to America by immigrants, the oat is now a very popular food and remains true to its roots in the proud state of Vermont.

The property of oat that helps in the fight against cholesterol is its soluble fiber. Soluble fiber makes it harder for LDL cholesterol to be absorbed in your intestines. Thus there is less externally created cholesterol floating around in your bloodstream. Too much LDL cholesterol can cause some of it to stick and accumulate on your arteries.

Oats are found in a wide variety of foods such as oatmeal cookies, granola bars etc. Oatmeal is the most associated product with oats. If you don’t like oatmeal, many companies are now incorporating oats into cereals and bread. Don’t be afraid to add this powerful food to your arsenal.

*Garlic

This little bulb has been around and used for centuries. The bulb was nailed to doors and hung around necks to ward off vampires and other evil spirits. Some believe that eating the bulb can increase desire or the body’s chi. Garlic is also used heavily in Mediterranean and Chinese cooking, which is probably why you don’t hear much about Chinese vampires, lol.

Of course, the most well known property of garlic is its cholesterol-lowering properties. Garlic is a natural antioxidant. It is believed that it helps prevent the LDLs from building up on the artery walls. Adding garlic as part of a good diet can help you control cholesterol levels as well as help you fight the common cold.

Garlic is most often used in cooking, adding flavor to many different foods. The strong flavor and smell of garlic often prevents people from eating it raw. One of the favorite ways to take garlic is in pill form but ensure that the pill format has allicen as this is thought to be the active ingredient and some steam distilled garlic pills apparently dont have it.

*Onions

It is hard to talk about garlic without mentioning its close relative, the onion. Even more widely used than garlic, it was frequently consumed in ancient times. One of its most surprising purposes was that the onion was used to pay rent.

The chromium and B6 vitamins found in the onion are thought to be the cholesterol fighters in this popular food. They are linked to improving cholesterol levels and helping in the fight against heart disease. The onion is also known to help lower the risk of cancer.

Unfortunately, there are only two ways to eat an onion, raw or cooked. Yet with such a wide variety of onions available, it should be relatively easy to find a variety that goes well with your taste buds. If you don’t like the sharp taste of stronger onions, try the sweet variety.

*Virgin Olive Oil

Olive oil is another very useful tool in the battle against high cholesterol. Produced mainly in Greece, Homer once stated that olive oil was liquid gold. The highly treasured oil holds a high place for use in religious ceremonies. Perhaps its most shocking use was a mouthwash for bad breath.

Olive oil contains a high levels of monounsaturated fats. These fats help lower your LDL cholesterol levels. By simply replacing your regular cooking oil, you can reduce the amount of bad fats that you are consuming.

Olive oil can be bought in any supermarket as cooking oil. Companies are adding this cholesterol-lowering oil to salad dressings and in the creation of mayonnaise. Olive oil is also available to take as a supplement in pills.

*Primrose Oil

The primrose plant is where primrose oil originates from. The primrose thrives in North and South America and is widely available. Nicknamed the King’s cureall, the primrose was once thought to cure multiple aliments.

Primrose oil contains a high level of essential fatty acids. These fatty acids are known for reducing your cholesterol levels. Furthermore, primrose oil can help treat eczema and even help relieve PMS symptoms.

Primrose oil is available as a supplement. Usually found in pill form, it can be obtained in most grocery stores. If you are on existing medication or have a known heart or cardio related ailment, it is wise to consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement. If your doctor disapproves of any kind of supplement, consider alternate medical advice and see a certified naturopath.

The fight against high cholesterol is a constant battle. These powerful foods are merely aids to help you drop those numbers. When used in conjunction with a healthy diet, these foods can help you win the battle with high ldl cholesterol.

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