Fruits and Vegetables that Help Prevent High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is naturally present in almost all parts of the body. It travels throughout the body in the form of small packages which are made up of fat in the inside and proteins on the outside. It is also present in the food people eat and is needed for the normal functioning of the body.

Including fruit and vegetables in the diet is a very good way to lower the cholesterol levels. The fruits and vegetables are enriched with the goodness of cholesterol-lowering antioxidants which keep the body healthy and in turn a healthy you. Not only this, a healthy diet with regular exercise is very helpful in lowering the cholesterol levels in blood. If the cholesterol levels are above normal then apart from a healthy diet, a healthy lifestyle should also be considered.

Here is a list of some fruits and vegetables that help in keeping the cholesterol levels under control:

Cabbage: If cooked by steaming then cabbage provides cholesterol lowering benefits. When the cabbage is boiled it binds better with the bile acids of the digestive tract, as compared to the raw cabbage. The binding makes it easier for the bile acid to be excreted, thereby, decreasing the cholesterol levels.

Blueberries: One of the ingredients of blueberries is anthocyanosides, which not only lowers high cholesterol, but also protects cardiovascular health. It works by turning down genes in your digestive tract which usually impact the clearance of cholesterol out of your body.

Apples: Apples are thought to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) — the “good” cholesterol and helps remove bad cholesterol from your bloodstream. In addition, the fruit is an excellent source of low density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering soluble fibre, primarily pectin. Ingredients of apple slow down the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.

Red Grapefruit: Grapefruit, especially red grapefruit, might help people suffering from high cholesterol. Besides vitamin A and vitamin C, the fruit is also enriched with pectin. These ingredients have been researched to decrease blood cholesterol level by lowering re-absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.

Spinach: One of the main ingredients of spinach is lutein, which is known for guarding against age-related macular degeneration, one of the main causes of blindness. Research reveals that just half a cup of lutein-rich food daily protects against heart attacks by helping artery walls remove cholesterol invaders that lead to clogging.

Lifestyle-based strategies coupled with medication prove to be extraordinarily effective in reducing cholesterol quickly and permanently. Consult our Gp’s online, on The Online Surgery. Apart from fruits and vegetable, our GPs would advise you medication such as Atorvastatin and Lipostat depending on your condition to keep your cholesterol level in check.