5 Best Foods For Reducing Cholesterol Levels

By Joanne Suan

Kick your high LDL cholesterol levels to the curb. You need help to fight your battle against cholesterol. These five natural foods when added to your arsenal might be key to watching those numbers drop. You are in this war to win.

*Oats

The message being driven home by a multitude of companies is that 'the oat' is a powerful, cholesterol-kicking agent. Coming from the proud country of Scotland, the oat is a big part of the diet there. Brought over to America by immigrants, the oat is now a very popular food and remains true to its roots in the proud state of Vermont.

The property of oat that helps in the fight against cholesterol is its soluble fiber. Soluble fiber makes it harder for LDL cholesterol to be absorbed in your intestines. Thus there is less externally created cholesterol floating around in your bloodstream. Too much LDL cholesterol can cause some of it to stick and accumulate on your arteries.

Oats are found in a wide variety of foods such as oatmeal cookies, granola bars etc. Oatmeal is the most associated product with oats. If you don't like oatmeal, many companies are now incorporating oats into cereals and bread. Don't be afraid to add this powerful food to your arsenal.

*Garlic

Those white bulbs found in the grocery store are anything but new to the housewives cooking arsenal. Historically, it has been said that the smell has diverted many vampires and evil spirits. Villagers used to put them on their doors and hang them around their necks for protection. Used heavily in Chinese and Mediterranean dishes, it is probably the main reason why you don't find any Chinese vampires - yes that was a joke.

Of course, the most advertised property of garlic is its cholesterol-lowering properties. Garlic is a natural antioxidant. It is believed that it helps prevent the LDLs from building up on the artery walls. Adding garlic as part of a good diet can help you control cholesterol levels as well as help you fight the common cold.

Garlic is available in many forms. It can be eaten raw. Although, it's resulting tang on the tongue might be a little too much for most people to handle. In cooking, the strength of the smell and taste of garlic is diluted. This results in a more palatable concoction for most people. It can also be taken in powder or pill form as part of a supplement.

*Onions

It is hard to talk about garlic without mentioning its cousin, the onion. Even more widely used than the garlic, it was heavily consumed in ancient times. One of its most surprising purposes was that the onion was used to pay rent.

The onion is a source of chromium and B6 vitamins. Both sources are linked to lowering cholesterol levels and preventing heart disease. Along with its cholesterol lowering properties, the onion has other benefits including lowering the risk of cancer.

The onions are mostly consumed raw or cooked. The many types of onions available make choosing one hard. The best thing is try different types to find a type that suites your taste buds. Everything is available from sweet to a more sharp taste is available for you to pick from.

*Virgin Olive Oil

Virgin Olive oil is a natural product originally made from Greek olives. Once immortalized as liquid gold by Homer, it held great popularity in ancient times. Religions saw the olive oil as a pure burning oil and is held in high esteem for many different type of ceremonies. It was once used as a cure for bad breath when it was turned into a mouthwash.

Olive oil contains a high levels of monounsaturated fats. These fats help reduce your LDL cholesterol levels. By simply replacing your regular cooking oil, you can lower the amount of bad fats that you are consuming.

Olive oil is widely available and easily obtained. Many companies are jumping on the 'health train' and using olive oil in their salad dressings and mayonnaise. The pill version of olive oil is available to take as well.

*Primrose Oil

The primrose is one of the native plants of North and South America. The pretty yellow flowers open at night instead of during the day. Once it was known as Kings cureall, For its variety of unsubstantiated healing properties.

Primrose oil provides essential fatty acids to the cholesterol lowering equation. Primrose oil is also known to relieve eczema and ease the symptoms associated with PMS.

Primrose oil is available as a supplement. Usually found in pill form, it can be obtained in most grocery stores. If you are on existing medication or have a known heart or cardio related ailment, it is wise to consult your doctor before taking any type of supplement. If your doctor disapproves of any kind of supplement, consider alternate medical advice and see a certified naturopath.

The fight against high cholesterol is a constant battle. These powerful tools are merely aids to help you drop those numbers. When used in conjunction with a well thought out diet, these foods can help you win the battle against high LDL cholesterol. - 32002

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