Superfoods to Stop High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a common problem that can put you at risk for developing heart disease. There are no symptoms of high cholesterol, so it is possible for you to have it and not know it. The good news is that there are many superfoods that can be used to stop high cholesterol. You will need to add the following foods to your diet:
1. Avocados
Avocados are one of the most nutrient-dense foods that you can eat. Monounsaturated fat and fiber are two of the main nutrients in avocados that can help lower your cholesterol. Not only can they lower your bad cholesterol, but they can also raise your good cholesterol. Good cholesterol helps clean out your arteries.
2. Nuts
You may have been told that you should avoid nuts because they are high in fat. However, they are one of the best foods that you can eat if you are trying to lower your cholesterol. Nuts are a plant-based source of omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients can lower your cholesterol. L-arginine is another one of the nutrients that is inside of nuts. Not only can this lower your cholesterol, but it can also regulate your blood pressure. Potassium, calcium and magnesium are some of the other nutrients that can help improve your heart health.
3. Fatty fish
Mackerel and salmon are two examples of fatty fish. They have omega 3 fatty acids in them. There was a study done that involved people who ate non-fried fish on a regular basis. The results of the study showed that people who ate fatty fish were 27 percent less likely to have a stroke. However, it is important for you to prepare your fish the right way. The healthiest way for you to consume fatty fish is for you to broil it or bake it. You should limit your intake of fried fish because it can raise your risk of heart disease.
4. Legumes
Legumes are also known as pulses. They are filled with minerals, proteins and fiber. Studies have shown that eating legumes can lower your bad cholesterol. In fact, one study showed that eating 100 grams of legumes per day can lower bad cholesterol by 6.6 mg/dl.
5. Berries
Berries are filled with soluble fiber. If you consume more soluble fiber, then you can lower your bad cholesterol. You will also be able to increase your bad cholesterol.
6. Dark chocolate
Eating sweets to lower your cholesterol may seem counterproductive. However, if you are looking for a sweet treat that will lower your cholesterol, then you can try dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is effective for lowering your bad cholesterol. It can also raise your good cholesterol. However, it is important to choose dark chocolate that is 70 percent cocoa.