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 & blood pressure lowering properties. Garlic is a natural antioxidant. It is thought that it helps prevent the LDLs from building up on the artery walls. Adding garlic as part of a healthy diet can help you lower cholesterol levels as well as help you fight the common cold.
Garlic is available in many forms. You can eat it raw. Although, its resulting odor maybe more than some can handle. In cooking, the potency of the smell and taste of garlic is diluted, resulting in a more palatable concoction for most people. It can also be taken in powder or pill form as part of a supplement. One of the main known active ingredients is Allicen so ensure that processed garlic pills still have this ingredient.
*Onions
Garlic is usually associated with its close cousin, the onion. The two naturally go together. Historically, onions were probably more popular than garlic. As a side note, the onion used to be an easy and acceptable form of payment for historic renters. Personally, i would prefer a gold coin, but who am I to critique my elders.
The chromium and B6 vitamins found in the onion are thought to be the cholesterol fighters in this popular food. They are linked to improving cholesterol levels and helping in the fight against heart disease. The onion is also known to help lower the risk of cancer.
Fortunately, there are only two ways to eat an onion, raw or cooked. With such a wide variety of onions available, it should be relatively easy to find a variety that best suits your taste buds. If you don’t like the sharp taste of stronger onions, try one of the sweet varieties or use it as seasoning in your food.
*Virgin Olive Oil
Olive oil is another extremely strong fighterin the war against high cholesterol. Produce mainly in Greece, Homer once stated that olive oil was liquid gold. The highly valued oil holds a high place for use in religious ceremonies. Perhaps its most unusual use was a mouthwash for bad breath.
Olive oil contains a high amount of monounsaturated fats. These fats help control your LDL cholesterol levels. Just by replacing your regular cooking oil, you can reduce the amount of bad fats that you are consuming.
Olive oil can be bought in any supermarket as cooking oil. Many Companies are adding this cholesterol-lowering oil to salad dressings and using it in the fabrication of mayonnaise. The pill version of olive oil is available to take as well.
*Primrose Oil
The primrose plant is where primrose oil originates from. The primrose thrives in North and South America and is widely available. Nicknamed the King’s cureall, the primrose was once thought to cure multiple aliments.
Primrose oil contains a high level of essential fatty acids. These fatty acids are known for lowering your cholesterol levels. Along with this, primrose oil can help treat eczema and even help relieve PMS symptoms.
Primose oil is available as a supplement. Usually found in pill form, it can be found in most grocery stores. 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.
Lowering your cholesterol is up to you. Combined with a healthy diet, these powerful foods will help you conquer those life threatening high ldl levels. You can conquer your high LDL cholesterol with the right food decisions.
