Foods that lower cholesterol are those that can be eaten in their most natural forms or require the least preparation to be fit for consumption. These are obviously raw and fresh produce and unrefined grains. Some would fit fish into that list, and they would be right as well. These types of food reduce or actually remove cholesterol from the arteries where they could otherwise block the flow of blood that could cause cardiac arrest, kidney or liver problems, and overall bad health.
Contrary to our natures, people usually look down on foods that lower cholesterol as being that demoted to the “lower class” and not good enough to serve visitors. That’s why our celebration foods are normally the higher-cholesterol animal meats, either fresh or preserved. For example, Christmas in English-speaking countries really wouldn’t be the same without the huge chunk of roast beef paired with mashed potatoes or Yorkshire Pudding, with the whole contents of the platter swimming in butter and gravy. Neither could any Chinese meal be complete without the succulent roast suckling pig with the crispy skin so tender that it’s traditionally cut with a plate. Well, there’s a reason why they’re for celebrations: they’re obviously not meant to be eaten everyday!
What are called “Fruits of the Earth” are the foods that lower cholesterol that are artery and heart friendly. Any fruit and vegetable that you pick is sure to be good. Whole grains, especially oatmeal, contain soluble and insoluble fibers that clean you out.
Almost all the foods on the list of foods that lower cholesterol are plant-based. Oatmeal has been the standout, since it’s one of the few foods that contain both insoluble and soluble fibers. Apples and citrus fruits have vitamin C and insoluble fiber, and walnuts and almonds are plenteous in mono-unsaturated fats that actually counter cholesterol. The only non-plant based food is deep-sea fish which is chock-full of omega-3 fatty acids that also counter polyunsaturated fats and cholesterol. Our health really lies within the wondrous workings of Mother Nature.
Unfortunately, there are some people that inherit the trait to have soaring cholesterol levels no matter what they consume and have to eat only foods that lower cholesterol continuously. Then there are those that consider themselves to be the lucky ones since they can eat almost anything they like and still have healthy cholesterol counts.
All things weighed out, our ancestors had the right idea. No wonder that scientists are studying the diets of those who live around the Mediterranean, or in the remote island of Okinawa, or the seemingly contrary diet of France. If we dig a little deeper, we find foods that lower cholesterol as the basis of all their culinary creations.
Gary Guidoppi writes about health issues at his website, HowToLowerTriglycerides.org. Learn more about increase hdl and triglycerides diet.
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