The best cholesterol lowering foods are plant-based foods, which do not contain any unhealthy fats, or any other unhealthy substances that can cause high cholesterol levels to occur. Some cholesterol is good in the body, but when the bad cholesterol takes over in the body, serious health problems can occur.
Following is a list of some great cholesterol lowering foods that can be made a part of a healthy and a permanent diet.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats such as monounsaturated fats (omega 9) and polyunsaturated fats (omega 3 and 6) are essential in helping to lower high cholesterol levels. These fats can be found in foods such as avocados, coconuts, nuts and seeds as well as in berries and leafy greens.
High Fiber Foods
High fiber foods also have a cholesterol lowering effect on the body. Fiber helps to prevent cholesterol from being absorbed in the intestines by grabbing a hold of it and eliminating it from the body.
In addition, fiber also eliminates toxins in the same manner, which prevents them from circulating in the body. Any toxins that circulate in the body, which the body is unable to get rid of in a timely manner are stored away in fat cells, which contributes to high cholesterol levels.
Foods that are high in fiber include just about all plant-based foods such as apples, prunes, peaches, pears, celery, carrots, leafy greens as well as nuts and seeds. These foods are best when consumed raw, as that insures that all enzymes and nutrients are still available to the body.
Plant Stanols and Plant Sterols
Plant stanols and sterols are found in most plant based foods such as legumes, nuts and seeds, apples, tomatoes, blueberries, avocados and broccoli.
These substances are very similar to the cholesterol that is produced by the body, or that is obtained from animal proteins. The only difference is that these substances will not contribute to high cholesterol, but rather, they help to reduce high cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, these substances also block the absorption of cholesterol when they are in the digestive system. Thus they are great for not only lowering the cholesterol levels, but they are also essential in helping to prevent high cholesterol.
Niacin Rich Foods
Niacin is also known as vitamin B3. It is often used as a drug to help lower cholesterol levels, but it can also be obtained through a healthy diet. Niacin rich foods include flax seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, pecans, peanuts, mushrooms, legumes and leafy green vegetables as well as many other vegetables.
Adding the above cholesterol lowering foods to the daily diet, and avoiding other cholesterol causing foods, will help to maintain the cholesterol levels at a healthy level.