Foods To Improve Your Bad Cholesterol

Are you loving your chicken fried steak with cream gravy and a couple of soups of vanilla ice cream for dessert? What about that hamburger and fries with a chocolate malt? Rest assured that none of these delectable delights are on our list of foods to improve bad cholesterol. But chances are if you are eating these types of foods regularly you will have plenty of artery clogging cholesterol floating around in your system just waiting to clog those once pristine arteries. In fact you should go ahead and make your reservation at your local hospital. Shoot for the room with the parking lot view.

The good news is if you take a little time to learn the about foods to improve bad cholesterol you just might be able to bring those cholesterol readings down substantially, thus reducing the need for any hospital reservations.

At the core member of the best foods to improve bad cholesterol are what are known as soluble fiber foods. Soluble fiber is the enemy of cholesterol binding with this fatty wax like substance in the intestines and sending it on its way out of the body.

The star members of the soluble fiber group are oatmeal and oat bran. Numerous studies have shown their effectiveness in lowering bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. One early university study found that people who add half a cup of dry oat bran to their diets daily may be able to lower their levels of LDL by as much as 25 percent. Oatmeal doesn’t seem to be quite as effective as oat bran according to a study done at Northwestern University. This study found that 2 ounces of oatmeal consumed daily reduced levels by a respectable 9.3 percent. Other sources of soluble fiber are apples, pears, carrots, and beans)

Another star player of our team of foods to improve your bad cholesterol walnuts. Walnuts work in a much different way than so soluble fiber foods and contain a heck of a lot more calories. One ounce contains 300 calories according to the label. So you have to careful not to completely nuts for nuts. Nuts lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation in the arteries of the heart, and are best used as a substitute for chips and cookies.

Note: If walnuts aren’t your bag almonds work in much the same way.

Another one of our star foods to improve cholesterol are our finned friends that live in the oceans and lakes. Recent research seemed to support the cholesterol lowering benefits of eating fatty fish because of its high levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids also help the heart in other ways such as reducing the risk of high blood pressure and clots. According to the American Heart Association at least 2 (4 oz) servings of cold water fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, or lake trout are suggested weekly for optimal heart health.

Note: Finding fresh fish at an affordable price can sometimes be challenging. If this is the case where you live consider substituting an omega 3 supplement instead. To determine the proper dosage check the supplemental facts and scan down to DHA/EPA. The AHA suggests a dosage of between 700 and 900 mg of DHA/EPA daily.

Other foods worth mentioning: blueberries, barley, tofu, sweet potatoes, and any foods fortified with plant stanols and sterols.

Additionally, sometimes foods to improve your bad cholesterol are simply not enough. In these instances an excellent companion treatment are natural cholesterol reduction supplements. These products are affordable, safe, and are another valuable tool at your disposal to send cholesterol packing.

By: R.D. Hawkins

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Rob Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years experience in the field. Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at Purchase Remedies.com