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Home remedies to reduce cholesterol: Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver and found in your blood. It helps build cells, vitamin D and certain hormones. However, cholesterol cannot move through the body on its own and needs the help of lipoproteins. This lipoprotein binds itself to cholesterol and helps in the movement of cholesterol in the bloodstream. There are two different types of cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the bad cholesterol that eventually leads you to high cholesterol. On the other hand, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the good cholesterol that helps maintain good cholesterol levels. Good cholesterol helps carry bad cholesterol back to the liver, where it is eliminated. When your LDL is higher than your HDL, it causes a build-up of fat in the blood vessels.
High cholesterol is a condition in which the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood increases. This condition causes major health problems and causes fat to accumulate in the blood vessels. When fat accumulates on the blood vessels, they become too narrow and blood does not flow properly. Over time, this causes heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
That's why it's important to keep an eye on your cholesterol levels. Your diet plays an important role in lowering cholesterol levels. Here are five foods that can help lower cholesterol.
Beans and legumes
Beans, lentils, peas and chickpeas are good sources of plant-based protein and are rich in soluble fibre. It binds cholesterol in the digestive tract and helps remove it from the body. Regular consumption of beans can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Nuts
Almonds, walnuts and other nuts give you protein. It contains healthy fats, which are good for the heart. Apart from this, it is rich in fiber. Therefore, they are good for stomach and overall health. Consuming nuts daily can help reduce bad cholesterol or LDL cholesterol and improve your lipid profile. Nuts also help in increasing the level of good cholesterol.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables contain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. They are also rich in soluble fiber which helps lower cholesterol levels. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, plums, citrus fruits, okra, eggplant, carrots and leafy greens are considered beneficial. Make sure you eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Oily fish
Fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are useful in reducing triglycerides, lowering blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of heart disease.
Whole grains
Oats, barley and other whole grains are high in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels. Consuming these grains reduces the risk of heart diseases.