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and Health Benefits
Are you looking for natural and healthy foods to reduce cholesterol? You’re in luck! There are a wide variety of surprising cholesterol-lowering foods that you’ve probably never heard of, but that can make a big difference to your heart health.
Almonds
Almonds are packed with nutrients, making them one of the best cholesterol-lowering foods you can find. They’re rich in monounsaturated fats, dietary fiber, and vitamin E. Eating a handful of almonds each day can also help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad” cholesterol.
Flaxseed
Ground flaxseed is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. It’s packed with dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and lignans, which have been linked to reduced cholesterol levels. Flaxseed is also great for digestive health, as it helps keep things moving along quite nicely.
Avocados
Avocados are a great source of heart-healthy fats, with monounsaturated fats being the main components. This type of fat helps increase HDL, or “good” cholesterol, and studies have found that it also helps reduce LDL. Eating avocados also gets you a healthy dose of dietary fiber and vitamins A and E – two important nutrients for a healthy heart.
Oats
Oats are great for heart health and are especially good when you want to lower cholesterol. They are packed with dietary fiber, manganese, and magnesium, all of which help reduce cholesterol levels. Oats also contain Beta glucan, a type of soluble fiber that helps absorb cholesterol in the body and prevent it from being absorbed back into the bloodstream.
Garlic
Garlic is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes, but it also has powerful cholesterol-lowering properties. Numerous studies have found that garlic can significantly reduce both total and LDL cholesterol levels. Make sure to add some garlic to your dishes a few times a week to start seeing the benefits.
Soy
Soy is a great sources of plant-based protein, but it can also help reduce cholesterol. Soybeans and their products, such as tofu and soy milk, are full of plant sterols, compounds that have been found to help block the cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Adding some soy to your diet can help you reach your cholesterol goals.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for natural, healthy options to reduce your cholesterol, these surprising cholesterol-lowering foods may just be what you need. Incorporating more of these nutrient-dense foods into your diet is a great way to help keep your heart healthy and your cholesterol levels in check.
