If you've ever been told that you need to lower your cholesterol don't panic. There are many natural ways to aid in getting both your LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) back on track. Some of these you may already be doing and not even know it. They come in the form of everyday foods and simple changes to your diet that anyone can manage.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Not only will Omega-3 Fatty Acids work to lower your LDL, but they will also raise your HDL. Now, just about everyone has heard about the link between Omega-3 and heart health, but many people don't realize how many natural places they can be found.
- Specialty eggs, such as Egglands Best
- Fish
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Soluble Fiber: Sticks to "bad" cholesterol and carries it out of the blood. The trick here is not to get it confused with "insoluble" fiber which won't do anything to lower your cholesterol Adding soluble fiber to your diet can be as easy as changing your bread and can also be found in many every day foods.
- Grains, such as whole grain breads
- Oatmeal
- Fruits, such as oranges and apples
- Flax seed (which also happens to be high in Omega-3)
Antioxidants: Lowers blood pressure and thins the blood so cholesterol doesn't stick to the arteries. Antioxidants are all the rage these days and can be found in some of the best tasting options of the bunch. One thing to be careful of here is that many products, especially juices, which claim to be "high" in antioxidants, also contain a LOT of sugar.- Berries, such as cranberries and blueberries (really any berry)
- Red Wine, no more than a glass a day (4oz)
- Dark Chocolate, the darker the better
- Dried Beans, red beans are the best
As you can see, there are plenty of natural sources you can tap into in your efforts to lower your cholesterol. Many of them are things that most people wouldn't think of as cholesterol fighting foods. But, adding these everyday foods to your diet could make a big difference in your fight against high cholesterol.
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