Cholesterol which is produced by the liver is essential for your body to function properly. However, bad cholesterol (LDL) leads to plaque formation in the arteries, having too much of it increases the risk of heart diseases.
What affects LDL level?
-Cholesterol-rich diet
-Being overweight
-Lack of Physical Activity
-Smoking
-Age and gender
-Genetics
-Certain medicines
What foods can help lower LDL?
The following foods can help you in bringing your cholesterol level down.
-Whole grain and multigrain products like bran and oats
-Fishes such as salmon, mackerel and albacore tuna
-Anti-oxidant rich foods such as fruits and vegetables
-Omega-3 fatty acids foods such as avocado, flax seeds etc
-Omega-3 fatty acids rich oil such as olive oil and canola oil.
– Walnuts, almonds etc and other foods which are rich in plant sterols.
-Beans rich in soluble fibre
-Eggplant and okra
-Soybean and its byproducts such as tofu, soy milk etc.
-Legumes
Other ways to tackle LDL:
Eating
Healthy eating as mentioned above foods which lower the LDL levels
Managing weight
Losing weight will bring down the cholesterol levels.
Physical activity
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways of bringing down cholesterol levels. A minimum of 30 minutes activity is recommended per day.
Medicines
If lifestyle changes do not lower the level, you can also take medicines which can lower the LDL levels. It is important to note that any medicines should only be taken under the doctor’s advice.