Home 10 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels
10 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels
10 snacks that can help lower cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is a substance produced by the liver. It helps promote hormonal balance. Good cholesterol—high-density lipoprotein (HDL)—helps eliminate unhealthy forms of cholesterol. Whereas bad cholesterol—low-density lipoprotein (LDL)—gets deposited in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Bad cholesterol is controlled by reducing foods that increase bad cholesterol levels. Good cholesterol can be maintained by adding foods that help lower the cholesterol levels. The following nutritional changes can help lower cholesterol.

  • Dark chocolate: A heart-healthy snack which helps in lowering cholesterol levels, dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids. Flavonoids contain antioxidant properties which help in lowering the build-up of bad cholesterol and helps in preventing heart diseases.
  • Dry fruits: Dry fruits like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are healthy snacks which help in lowering cholesterol levels as they contain omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, vitamin E, and unsaturated fats. Consuming a handful of nuts helps in lowering cholesterol levels.
  • Avocados: Avocados are rich in fiber and unsaturated fats which help in lowering cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and keep the heart healthy. The unsaturated fats destroy the bad cholesterol thus lowering cholesterol levels.
  • Apples: Rich in pectin fiber, apples are a great snack for lowering cholesterol levels. They also contain antioxidant properties which help in lowering LDL or bad cholesterol levels. The bioactive compounds present in apples also help in preventing heart diseases.
  • Oat: A soluble fiber called beta glucan found in oats is a perfect snack which helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Easily digestible, oats also have great nutritional value and do not affect the good cholesterol levels in the body.
  • Green tea: The antioxidants present in green tea not only help in lowering cholesterol levels but also contain anti-aging properties, help in weight loss, etc. Green tea helps in lowering the production of LDL without affecting the HDL and reduces the chances of heart diseases.
  • Red grapes: A sensible snack for lowering cholesterol levels, red grapes are rich in antioxidants and flavonoids which help in reducing bad cholesterol levels and maintaining a healthy heart.
  • Popcorn: A low-calorie snack, popcorn is rich in fiber and no-cholesterol properties thus lowering cholesterol levels. One can eliminate snacks like fried foods from their diet and replace them with popcorn.
  • Fatty fish: Omega-3 and fatty acids found in fish help in improving the cholesterol and triglyceride levels, making fish a perfect snack for lowering cholesterol levels.
  • Bananas: One of the best snacks for lowering cholesterol levels is consuming bananas as it contains a high amount of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients that help in lowering bad cholesterol levels in the body.

Medications for managing cholesterol
Here are some medicines that one may take after consulting their doctor to help manage cholesterol levels.

Livalo, Lipitor, and Crestor
These branded options belong to a class of medications known as statins. Statins help in removing excess LDL from the bloodstream and promote the production of HDL to help manage cholesterol levels.

Questran, Welchol, and Colestid
Doctors may prescribe bile acid binding agents like Questran, Welchol, and Colestid for managing cholesterol levels. They help prevent bile from being absorbed for digestion. More cholesterol is burned to produce the additional bile to lower the amount of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

Atromid-S, Lopid, and Antara
These fibrates class of medications can be combined with existing prescriptions to lower triglycerides and improve HDL levels in the body.

Repatha
Repatha is an injectable medication for adults. It contains evolocumab, which helps lower bad cholesterol levels in the blood. The injection is especially beneficial for those suffering from inherited diseases like familial hypercholesterolemia since nutrition and lifestyle alone cannot control their cholesterol levels. However, Repatha can sometimes have side effects, and one must consult a doctor before using this medicine.

FIND
A DOCTOR

Cookie settings