Before you go out and hit the grocery for the foods listed below, it is important that you know some of the important things about cholesterol. Basically, there are two types of cholesterol, the bad cholesterol or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and the good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The bad cholesterol can be found in foods with excessive fat in them. LDL is one of the major causes of stroke and other heart ailments. This is because bad cholesterol, when they’re in inside the blood stream, has a tendency to attach themselves on the inner wall linings of the veins. Overtime they build up and harden and then breakdown. These broken down cholesterol fragments now clog up the natural flow of blood. Good cholesterol, on the other hand, is a vital part of the body to function normally. It helps in the production of hormones as well the regulation of the level of bad cholesterol in the body. HDL carries the bad cholesterol from the blood stream to the liver for excretion.

The problem with cholesterol levels occurs when the LDL levels is higher that the HDL levels. So listed below are the foods to lower cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol at the same time.

1.) OATS – Oatmeal and rolled oats are just two of the products from oats that can lower bad cholesterol. Oat bran, the outer layer oats, is another heart friendly food that can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Oats contain soluble fiber more than other grain products that result in slower digestion and extended sensation of fullness.

2.) FISH – Cold water fish like salmon, herring, sardines and tuna are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, the essential fatty acids that aids in the overall brain development of children. Omega-3 can also help increasing the levels of good cholesterol for it to flush out the bad cholesterol out of the system.

3.) NUTS – Nuts like walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, chestnuts, pistachio nuts and pecans contains polyunsaturated fatty acids that help in keeping the blood vessels healthy. As per Food and Drug Administration, eating a handful of nuts a day may reduce the risk of heart ailments. Although the consumption of nuts should be limited to only a handful since they’re high in calories.

4.) OLIVE OIL – Cooking your food in olive oil will not only make the food tastier but it can also make it healthier. Olive oil contains antioxidants that lower the level of bad cholesterol. FDA recommends two tablespoons a day of olive oil is sufficient enough coz it’s also high in calories.

Tagged with: • • • •

Filed under: Krill Oil Benefits

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!