5 foods that help control cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a naturally-occurring fatty substance classified into low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). While HDL is good for the body, high amounts of LDL can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. The body must maintain a proper balance of both good and bad fats to promote better metabolic and digestive activities. Healthy eating promotes a better balance of the two, and accordingly, here are five food choices you can opt for.
Foods to eat to keep cholesterol levels in control
Apples
Apples contain a compound called pectin, a type of soluble fiber that helps lower the amount of cholesterol produced by the liver. A number of studies conducted in this regard show improved LDL or bad cholesterol levels in the body after just a few weeks of including apples in daily foods. Apples are also rich in antioxidants that prevent LDL cholesterol from being oxidized.
Berries
Assorted berries are an excellent food to help manage cholesterol levels daily. Blueberries, raspberries, cherries, strawberries, blackberries are all rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that promote cardiovascular activity. This helps the body burn off more cholesterol by denying LDL the ability to oxidize within the body. Berries are also rich in natural fibers that help promote better digestion and, in turn, improve the metabolic response to regulate LDL cholesterol levels.
Whole grains
Oatmeal is an excellent whole grain rich in soluble fibers. It helps promote better digestion and prevents bad cholesterol from accumulating in the bloodstream. Oat bran and barley are also excellent alternatives to consider for breakfast.
Assorted nuts
Nuts help replace the saturated fat content with healthy unsaturated fats to help manage cholesterol better in the body. They are also a rich source of fiber to help aid digestion and enable better excretion of bad fats from the body. Popular choices include walnuts, Brazil nuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
Dark chocolate
This may come as a surprise but dark chocolate is actually helpful in managing cholesterol levels to a significant extent. Most types of dark chocolate contain a high concentration of cocoa and very little sugar, especially if one buys the organic bars. The cocoa and flavonoids found in it help improve blood lipid profiles that leads to better cholesterol management in the body. Flavonoids also boost cardiovascular activity, allowing the body to burn off more fat and manage cholesterol.
Managing cholesterol
Apart from changes in daily foods, the following prescriptions can help manage cholesterol levels to some extent.
Livalo®
Adults who are suffering from high cholesterol can consider taking Livalo® to help lower LDL levels in the body. The prescription contains an active compound called statin that lowers LDL and improves HDL levels in the body.
Repatha®
Repatha works by limiting the effect of certain proteins that have an impact on LDL levels and helps the liver clear this bad cholesterol from the bloodstream. The dosing is available in three injection options, including a SureClick® Autoinjector, an on-body infusor Pushtronex® System, or a prefilled syringe. Repatha® is covered by most insurance and Medicare plans. Patients need not pay the full list price of $504 per month. The Repatha Copay Card® brings down its cost to a mere $5 per month.