The most important first approach to lowering a high cholesterol level is to follow a healthful diet and lifestyle. It is important to first find out what your cholesterol numbers are because reducing cholesterol levels that are too high lessens the risk for developing heart disease and reduces the chance of dying from heart disease, even if you already have it. Then start with your dietary changes.
The top 6 foods to lower cholesterol numbers:
1st Oatmeal & oat bran
Oatmeal contains insoluble and soluble fiber, which reduces your LDL bad cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as apples, kidney beans, pears, psyllium, barley and prunes to name a few. Soluble fiber appears to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your intestines.
2nd Walnuts & Almonds
Studies have shown that walnuts and Almonds can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. Rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. Almonds appear to have a similar effect on the body, resulting in a marked improvement within just 4 weeks.
3rd Fish and omega-3 fatty acids
Research has supported the cholesterol lowering benefits of eating fatty fish (predominantly Salmon and Cod) because of its high levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids also help the heart in other ways such as reducing blood pressure and the risk of blood clots. In people who have already had heart attacks, fish oil significantly reduces the risk of sudden death.
4th Olives
Olives contains a potent mix of antioxidants that can lower your bad LDL cholesterol but leave your good HDL cholesterol untouched. Cooking with olives and adding it to salads is good for your overall health.
5th Foods fortified with plant sterols
Foods are now available that have been fortified with sterols or stanols substances found in plants that help block the absorption of cholesterol in the colon.Cholesterol either enters the body through diet or manufactured by the liver.
6th Give natural Red yeast rice extract
Red rice yeast found at nutrition stores contain active ingredients that help the body naturally reduce its production of cholestrol. The liver manufactures and removes cholesterol from the body, when the body is out of wack, it will over produce its own cholesterol and this is where Red yeast rice can help by blocking the bodies natural production and providing nutritive support for healthy cholesterol levels.
In conclusion, before you make dietary changes, think about cutting back on the types and amounts of fats you eat, which can raise your cholesterol. That way, you will improve your cholesterol and boost health overall. While lifestyle changes have been main topics in discussions on lowering cholesterol levels, they are not meant to make patients do major modifications and suffer identity crisis as a result. While there are a number of ways for lowering cholesterol, diet and the consumption of Red rice yeast will make your doctor ask, “What have you been doing?”
*Statements here in have not been evaluated by the FDA. The information contained here and red yeast rice is not intended to prevent, cure, treat or diagnose disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.