How can you improve your cholesterol levels naturally? Well, fortunately for you, there are many natural ways that you can lower your cholesterol, and we are going to cover each one in detail.
Even if you are one of those people who don't have to worry about cholesterol, some of these steps can make sure that you never have to!
While herbal remedies are definitely a good route to take, there is no better way of treating high cholesterol than doing it naturally.
Let's look at 11 ways we can lower our cholesterol naturally.
1. Cut the Caffeine
Eliminate caffeinated beverages entirely. Now I know what you're thinking, what about my coffee? It's been proven that people who drink more than 6 cups a day tend to have a higher chance of having high cholesterol. You can get away with one cup of coffee per day, but that is it and you should definitely stay away from caffeinated pops.
2. Eat Chocolate
Yes that is right, we said chocolate! Chocolate has been shown to raise HDL levels a small amount, however keep in mind that it is still high in fat in calories, so use moderation!
3. Take some of that fat out of your diet
In order to do this, you want to make sure that you target your diet more towards foods that are low in saturated fat. For instance, you will want to buy the leanest cuts of meat that you can find and trade red meat for poultry and fish, as they are better for you. Skim milk and low fat cottage cheese can help as well.
4. Nuts Nuts Nuts!
If you are looking to lower your cholesterol by 10 percent more and are running out of options, nuts are the answer. Almonds and Walnuts are specifically good for lowering cholesterol. Start putting them in pancakes, casseroles, or stir-fries, the more the better!
5. Multivitamins-always a good idea
Vitamin C raises HDL levels, and is the number one immune system booster. Include Vitamin E and calcium, and you will be in good shape.
6. Drop some pounds
High cholesterol is associated most specifically with being overweight. Increasing your fruits, grains, beans, and vegetables will not only raise your HDL, but also lower your LDL levels, while causing you to lose weight at the same time. Keep in mind you want to stay away from fatty foods.
7. Take niacin-carefully
As a B vitamin, Niacin will both lower LDL and raise HDL levels. Be extremely careful when taking Niacin however because while it is one of the cheapest drugs, it is not totally safe. In high amounts, liver damage can occur along with elevated blood sugar.
8. Include your family
Now babies can not obviously go on diets, but after 2 years of age, they can! As a parent, you want to teach your children to be on a healthy eating pattern early. They will maintain these eating habits probably throughout the rest of their lives.
9. Stop with all the sugar
Specifically men are affected by sugar, and most do not realize it. Sugar increases triglycerides through insulin production, and affects cholesterol too.
10. No more fried foods
Roast! Bake! Broil! Grill! Poach! Any of these alternatives are much better than having fried foods. Try to remove fatty skin from turkey and chicken, and use canola or olive oil for cooking, for they are low in saturated fat. Another neat trick involves fat free marinades such as wine, tomato, and lemon juice. Keep an eye out for terms such as "hydrogenated", because this is simply another way to sneak in some saturated fat.
11. Load up on fiber
Soluble fiber is a great way to lower LDL and raise HDL levels. Small amounts have proven to be effective, such as a bowl of oat bran, or oatmeal. Many vegetables, beans, peas, and even barley are also high in fiber. Corn fiber is good for you as well, but requires larger amounts.
Randy has been writing for a short time now and loves the subjects of health and diet. He truly lives by the words "You Are What You Eat". Passionate about a healthy lifestyle he now enjoys writing about the health and diet industry. However you can also check out some of his other hobby sites at rubberstampscrafts.org rubberstampscrafts.org and if you are a hobby enthusiast start collecting rubberstampscrafts.org/Decorative-Rubber-Stamps.html rubberstampscrafts.org/Decorative-Rubber-Stamps.html for they are addictive.
No comments:
Post a Comment