The Total cholesterol in our body is a combination of HDL and LDL. HDL is the good cholesterol while LDL is the bad one. The acronym "LDL" stands for low-density lipoprotein. When this number gets elevated, fatty substances called plaque have a tendency to stick to the inside of arterial walls.
This in turn can lead to coronary heart disease and in the worst of cases, it can be fatal. That is why it is important to lower LDL, which can be done by including these food items in you regular diet..
Fish:
They contain Omega-3 Fatty acids which are known to stabilize heart rhythms, lower cholesterol and triglycerides, and reduce inflammation in the arteries. One recent study claimed that there is 17 percent less risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by consuming just half a serving weekly.
Olives and Olive oil:
They contain mono-saturated fat which is good for the heart while other types of oils contain saturated fat. Also antioxidants called Polyphenols contained in Olives help reduce inflammation in the blood vessels, improving cholesterol.
Tomatoes:
The lycopene in tomatoes, a powerful antioxidant in the cartenoid family, protects against heart disease by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Cooking tip: Because cooking releases lycopene from tomatoes, you'll reap greater reward from sauce, rather than raw tomatoes.
Apples:
The antioxidants in apples and apple juice delay the breakdown of LDL cholesterol by about 20 percent. Also Apple's antioxidants mimic statins, stimulating the liver to remove harmful LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Go Nuts!:
Nuts sure have a lot of fat, but its the good mono-saturated & polyunsaturated varieties which help to lower cholesterol while protecting your heart. This is possible because nuts offer fiber, protein, vitamin E, magnesium, b vitamins, and potassium
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