What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a lipid that serves several vital functions in your body. The synthesis of hormones, vitamin D, and chemicals that aid digestion all need cholesterol.
What are the types of cholesterol?
The three types of cholesterol are:
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): The “bad” cholesterol, which is responsible for transporting cholesterol particles throughout the body, eventually builds up in the arterial walls and causes them to become hard and narrow.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: The “good” cholesterol absorbs excess cholesterol and returns it to your liver. The good cholesterol, or HDL, may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol: a “bad” cholesterol. It transports triglycerides, a form of fat in your blood and may also lead to plaque building in your arteries.
Here are foods that help fight or reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with cholesterol:
1. Whole grains. Whole grains, such as barley, oats, are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, mostly due to the soluble fiber they provide.
2. Peas. Soluble fiber is abundant in beans. Also, since they are slow to digest, they keep you full for a longer period of time after eating.
3. Okra and Eggplant. You may get a lot of soluble fiber from these two low-calorie veggies.
4. Nuts. Research abounds demonstrating the heart-healthy benefits of nut consumption, including almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and many more.
5. Fruits such as strawberries, grapes, apples, and citrus. Pectin, a soluble fiber, is abundant in these fruits and helps reduce LDL cholesterol.
6. Fish. Two or three servings of fish per week may help reduce LDL in two ways: first, by reducing the consumption of saturated fats, which raise LDL levels, and second, by providing omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease LDL levels. In addition to protecting the heart against the development of arrhythmias, omega-3s lower blood triglyceride levels.
