Cholesterol is a waxy soft substance, found in all the body cells and is transported through the blood. This lipid is an important part of the cell membrane lining. It also regulates production of certain hormones and other body functions. Though cholesterol plays a very significant role in body functioning, the level of cholesterol needs to be maintained, else it leads to severe health problems like, heart attack. Before knowing the foods that lower cholesterol naturally, let us take a look at some brief information on cholesterol.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol cannot dissolve in blood and hence, it is carried by lipoproteins called LDL (low-density) and HDL (high-density). Out of these two lipoproteins, LDL is the major carrier of cholesterol and if the level of LDL increases, then it can get accumulated in the blood arteries of brain and heart. This blocks the passage in the arteries and increases the risk of fatal health problems like stroke and heart attack. Hence, LDL is also referred as bad cholesterol. While HDL is called as good cholesterol, since it carries the cholesterol to liver and not towards heart and brain. Some medical experts consider that HDL regulates the excess cholesterol in the body and hence, high level of HDL is good for health. Read more on, HDL LDL ratio and ideal cholesterol levels.
Foods that Lower Cholesterol Naturally
There are basically two sources of cholesterol for human body, one source is the body itself, while other is from dietary foods. These dietary foods usually consist of animal products and foods high in saturated fats. 1000 milligram cholesterol is produced by our liver on daily basis and thus, there is no need of consuming more cholesterol. But with consumption of foods that contain cholesterol, the cholesterol level increases. People whose cholesterol level is high, need to strictly control their diet and prohibit consumption of such foods. Moreover, they also need to exercise regularly to gain a healthy body. There are certain foods that lower cholesterol levels naturally and some of them are listed below.
Apples: Apples are rich in anti-oxidants and healthy fiber. Both these contents of apple help to reduce the bad cholesterol in the body and increase the good cholesterol. Each of us should consume at least one apple on daily basis.
Avocado: Though avocado contains certain amount of fat, but this fat is healthy fat, that does not cause any health problem. These fats are in monosaturated form, which help to lower the bad cholesterol in the body. You can try different avocado recipes and enjoy this natural cholesterol burner.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol cannot dissolve in blood and hence, it is carried by lipoproteins called LDL (low-density) and HDL (high-density). Out of these two lipoproteins, LDL is the major carrier of cholesterol and if the level of LDL increases, then it can get accumulated in the blood arteries of brain and heart. This blocks the passage in the arteries and increases the risk of fatal health problems like stroke and heart attack. Hence, LDL is also referred as bad cholesterol. While HDL is called as good cholesterol, since it carries the cholesterol to liver and not towards heart and brain. Some medical experts consider that HDL regulates the excess cholesterol in the body and hence, high level of HDL is good for health. Read more on, HDL LDL ratio and ideal cholesterol levels.
Foods that Lower Cholesterol Naturally
There are basically two sources of cholesterol for human body, one source is the body itself, while other is from dietary foods. These dietary foods usually consist of animal products and foods high in saturated fats. 1000 milligram cholesterol is produced by our liver on daily basis and thus, there is no need of consuming more cholesterol. But with consumption of foods that contain cholesterol, the cholesterol level increases. People whose cholesterol level is high, need to strictly control their diet and prohibit consumption of such foods. Moreover, they also need to exercise regularly to gain a healthy body. There are certain foods that lower cholesterol levels naturally and some of them are listed below.
Apples: Apples are rich in anti-oxidants and healthy fiber. Both these contents of apple help to reduce the bad cholesterol in the body and increase the good cholesterol. Each of us should consume at least one apple on daily basis.
Avocado: Though avocado contains certain amount of fat, but this fat is healthy fat, that does not cause any health problem. These fats are in monosaturated form, which help to lower the bad cholesterol in the body. You can try different avocado recipes and enjoy this natural cholesterol burner.