Best Vegetables To Include In Lowering Cholesterol

The food we eat has a lot of impact on the way our body functions. Different foods have a different nutritional composition and all of it makes an effect on the quality of our health and life. Foods, especially vegetables, provide us with all the necessary nutrients that we need in order to function properly. They contain carbs, fats, proteins, various vitamins and micronutrients that are all essential for us. There are some vegetables that lower cholesterol levels and are even more beneficial for heart health. Let’s take a look at how the vegetables we eat make an impact on our cholesterol levels and change our lipid profile. ‍

5 Vegetables That Lowers Cholesterol

The problems associated with cholesterol may sometimes be rather complicated. On the one hand, your body can't operate properly without cholesterol since it's needed for so many different processes while consuming an unsafe amount of it may be risky and raises the likelihood that a person would develop heart-related ailments or difficulties. If your cholesterol level is high, you have a greater risk of developing fatty deposits in your blood vessels. At some point, these deposits will expand to the point that it will be impossible for sufficient blood to pass through your arteries. These deposits may sometimes unexpectedly break apart, resulting in the formation of a clot that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Here are some vegetables that can help in lowering the cholesterol levels in the body :

• Broccoli can be prepared in a variety of ways, is tasty, and is packed with nutrients that are good for your heart and help you maintain a healthy cholesterol level. The large quantities of vitamin C broccoli has also makes it great for heart health, managing cholesterol and diabetes. In addition, broccoli includes beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, popularly known as "bad cholesterol," in the circulation.

• The use of cauliflower may assist in the prevention of cardiovascular disease due to its high concentration of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory characteristics. In addition to this, they are a wonderful source of vitamin C, which plays an important role in the preservation of healthy blood vessels and, as a result, in the reduction of blood pressure.
• Because it is rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other essential components, beans may contribute to the overall health of your cardiovascular system. Beans, which are rich in soluble fiber help decreasing cholesterol 
• The harmful cholesterol in the bloodstream may be lowered by eating foods high in fiber. This is due to the fact that cholesterol and fiber will cling to each other, causing them to be expelled from the body in a natural manner while simultaneously lowering cholesterol levels. Spinach, carrots, and other types of greens are examples of high-fiber foods that should be included in a diet in order to reduce cholesterol levels.‍

15 Foods That Helps In Lowering Cholesterol

• Eggplant has a high concentration of dietary fiber; a serving size of 100 grams (g) of eggplant has 3 grams of fiber. The levels of cholesterol in the blood may be lowered by eating fiber. Additionally, it lowers one's chances of acquiring cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. 
• Okra, also known as lady's fingers, is a vegetable that grows best during the warm months and is cultivated in many parts of the globe. Researchers have discovered that a gel contained in okra called mucilage may aid in the reduction of cholesterol in the body by adhering to the substance as it is being digested. This facilitates cholesterol's elimination from the body through feces.
• Avocados include heart-healthy ingredients. A 2015 study found that eating one avocado per day on a low-cholesterol, moderate-fat diet might lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Lowering LDL cholesterol while preserving HDL cholesterol lowered risks associated with high cholesterol. A 150-gram avocado has 14.7 grams of monounsaturated fat which helps in reducing LDL levels as well as the risk of stroke. 
• Apples are another nutrient packed food which contains a huge amount of fiber as well as polyphenols which are good at managing cholesterol levels. 
• Omega-3 fats, like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are essential polyunsaturated fats that can be found in fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. These fats have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect the heart.
• Oats are packed with soluble fiber which helps in lowering LDL levels by binding with them and getting out of the body via excretion. 
• Barley is another whole grain that is beneficial for people with cholesterol as it contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber.
• Nuts are packed with healthy fats which help in reducing LDL levels in the body. 
• Soy and soy products contain a lower amount of fat which makes them cholesterol friendly options. 
• Dark chocolate contains flavonoids which contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties both of which are beneficial for health. 
• Lentils help in reducing LDL and triglyceride levels in the body as they are packed with fiber and prevent the absorption of cholesterol in the bloodstream. 
• Garlic is a widely used garnish in most foods and helps lower blood pressure. 
• Green tea is packed with antioxidants which helps in reducing total cholesterol levels without lowering HDL. 
• Extra virgin olive oil contains healthy fats like HDL and monounsaturated fatty acids which help in lowering LDL levels. 
• Kale is rich in antioxidants and fiber which makes it great for heart health. 

Cholesterol-Lowering Diet Plan

Following a diet plan that is cholesterol friendly can help in reducing cholesterol levels. You can see results as soon as 8-12 weeks of following a healthy diet rich in fiber and regular workouts. Here is a rough example of a cholesterol lowering diet plan:

• Apple and peanut butter on whole grain toast for breakfast OR Cinnamon oats, plain low-fat Greek yogurt, blueberries, and almonds in oatmeal.
• Vegetables and hummus on whole-grain pita for lunch OR mediterranean vegetable stew, topped with edamame and avocado.
• Poached salmon, asparagus, brown rice, lentil stew, and salsa verde for dinner OR whole wheat pasta, chicken, and brussels sprouts cooked in extra virgin olive oil. 

As part of a diet to lower cholesterol, try a small amount of the following snacks:

• Fruits can be fresh or frozen
• hummus covered raw vegetables, whole-grain pretzels or crackers
• Ragi flour crispies with roasted chickpeas or soybean, tuna, and low-fat or fat-free yogurt
• Apple slices with almond butter and a handful of pistachios or another nut
• Granola bars made from oats, nuts, and dried fruit

Bottomline

It is essential to maintain low levels of LDL cholesterol since this lowers the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and stroke. Maintaining a nutritious diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in fiber, whole grains, nuts, fatty salmon, and unprocessed soy, as well as the occasional indulgence of dark chocolate, is one way for a person to accomplish this goal. Consuming an excessive amount of foods that are rich in saturated fat, on the other hand, may lead to a rise in levels of LDL cholesterol as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and obesity.

FAQ

1. What is the best vegetable to lower cholesterol?

The best vegetables to lower cholesterol include broccoli, spinach, okra (bhindi), eggplant (baingan), beans and vegetables that are packed with fiber. Fiber rich vegetables help in lowering LDL levels in the body and help in managing cholesterol related issues. 

2. What are 5 foods that can lower cholesterol?

5 foods that are great for reducing or lowering cholesterol levels in the body include, whole grains such as oats and barley, nuts like almonds and walnuts, fruits such as apples and oranges, fiber rich vegetables such as beans, okra, broccoli. 

3. What fruit lowers cholesterol the most?

Apples, grapes, strawberries and citrus fruits contain pectin, a form of soluble fiber that reduces levels of LDL or bad cholesterol. These also contain a lot of fiber which aids in the management of high cholesterol. 

4. What foods should I avoid if I have high cholesterol?

If you have high cholesterol, avoid eating processed or packaged foods, deep fried foods with lots of oil, foods that have a high sodium content, fatty meats and saturated oils. Avoid eating shellfish and meat such as crabs, lobsters and bacon as they contain high fats and sodium.