Tasty Foods for Lowering Cholesterol

Diet plays a huge roll in the body’s cholesterol levels. Doctors have found the waxy substance known as cholesterol begins building in the blood before the age of 20. To help reduce cholesterol and to begin a cholesterol healthy diet for your children, the following foods should be added to the diet on a daily basis.

Carrot (Daucus carota) and foods containing pectin. Carrots are high in a fiber called pectin and research has shown that pectin is very good for lowering cholesterol. Other good sources of pectin are apples and the white lining of citrus fruits. Most of us peel the white stuff off of oranges but it’s very good to nibble on some of it.

Avocado (Persea Americana). Avocados contain a lot of fat so most heart patients avoid eating them but avocados have been shown to lower cholesterol. Speak with your health care provider about eating an occasional avocado for cholesterol lowering benefits.

Beans (Phaseolus). Beans are a low-fat, high-fiber food. They also contain lecithin which is very good for helping to lower cholesterol. Lentils and kidney beans seem to be the best for helping to lower cholesterol levels.

Celery (Apium graveolens). Celery juice was shown to lower cholesterol levels in laboratory animals. While it has not been proven to work the same in humans, it can’t hurt to add some celery to your diet. Celery also makes a great spice in your cooking too.

Garlic (allium sativum) and Onion (A. cepa). Onions and garlic have been used in other countries to improve cardiovascular health so it only makes sense that they would be good to help lower cholesterol as well. If you enjoy cooking be sure to add plenty of onions and garlic to your dishes. Not only will it help your cholesterol it will also give great flavor to your meals.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Ginger is another one of those spices that not only add zing to your dishes but helps lower cholesterol too.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Fenugreek is an herb that contains the fiber compound mucilage. Adding more fiber to your diet is a sure bet to help lower cholesterol levels.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius). Using safflower oil in place of other oils for cooking is another tasty way to give your food flavor and lower cholesterol.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum). Plants contain phytosterols which are absorbed into the blood stream and help lower cholesterol. Good sources of these compounds are sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, lettuce, cucumbers, asparagus, okra, cauliflower, spinach, onions, figs, strawberries, pumpkin and squash, apricots, tomatoes, celery and ginger. All these items can be used to make great cholesterol lowering dinner salads. Use fruit salads for the perfect ending to any great meal.

As you can see by the list of foods above, lowering your cholesterol can be a tantalizing treat. If you are on medication it is suggested that you continue your medication and see your doctor for regular check-ups. Adding these foods to your daily diet may soon help reduce the amount of medication that you are taking.
If you are not on medication but just want to start a healthier lifestyle, adding these foods will greatly reduce your chances of having cholesterol problems.

Enjoy life, enjoy your food but make sure your food is healthy for life.