There are ways to lower cholesterol naturally and keep it at a healthy level. But first, it's important to understand the role cholesterol plays in the human body. Cholesterol is present in every cell of the body. It enhances the body's ability maintain healthy cells, and produce hormones that are crucial for survival.
Cholesterol is considered to be either good or bad. The bad cholesterol, or low density cholesterol (LDL), can build up and clog the arteries around the heart. This can put a person at risk for heart disease. The good cholesterol is known as high density cholesterol (HDL). One of the best ways to lower cholesterol naturally is to make certain dietary changes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids can help lower cholesterol naturally. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered to be good fats because they help keep the body healthy. Several studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids act as an anti-inflammatory and help lower cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are fat deposits that are stored in the body for energy, but if these levels get too high, they can put a person at risk for heart disease.
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna. The American Heart Association suggests eating fish at least two times a week, in order to get the cholesterol lowering benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids are also available as a supplement. The recommended daily allowance for the supplements is about 4 grams daily.
Cholesterol Lowering Foods
Strawberries, apples, and citrus fruits are also among the cholesterol lowering foods, because they contain fiber. According to the American Heart Association, fiber helps eliminate acids that contain cholesterol, from the body. A person can lower his cholesterol by about 10 percent, by eating about 15 grams of fiber daily. Other sources of fiber include peas, oatmeal, rice, and bran.
In order to get the full benefits from eating fiber, it's important to have a heart healthy diet. People who have high cholesterol, or who are at risk for this condition should limit their intake of trans fat and saturated fat, because these fats can raise cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and cancel out the effects of the fiber.
Lowering Cholesterol Naturally With Soy
Soy products are another example of cholesterol lowering foods. Several studies suggest that foods containing soy are effective in lowering cholesterol naturally by about 10 percent. Soy contains natural chemicals known as isoflavones. Researchers believe that isoflavones, along with the protein contained in soy, help reduce the bad cholesterol.
The benefits of soy are supported by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1999, the FDA gave soy manufacturers permission to put "heart healthy" labels on the packaging of their foods. According to the FDA, a person who consumes 25 grams of soy a day can reduce his LDL cholesterol by about 10 percent. Soy is contained in foods such as soy nuts, tofu, soy burgers, and soy milk.
The article titled How to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally provides more information on heart healthy eating and natural methods for lowering cholesterol.
Jennifer Graham - Jennifer Graham is a Writer/Producer for a video production company. She helps create videos that raise awareness to health related ...
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