Many people are quite shocked to hear that cholesterol is a good thing because we are so often warned of the dangers of high cholesterol. The truth of the matter is that certain amounts of cholesterol are necessary to keep us healthy which is one of the reasons that it is produced by our bodies.
While it is true that cholesterol can lead to the occurrence of a heart attack when it reaches dangerously high levels it is also true that the presence of some cholesterol is necessary for proper health. Some of this cholesterol is naturally produced by our bodies while the rest is derived from the foods that we consume.
Cholesterol levels are registered in two basic types. These types consist of HDL or good cholesterol and LDL which is commonly called bad cholesterol. The general consensus here is that we need higher levels of good cholesterol with lower levels of bad cholesterol. One way we can manage these levels is through the types of food that we eat.
Whole grains and oats contain soluble fiber which basically means they have low levels of LDL or bad cholesterol. These fibers prevent plaque from building up in the arteries which also works towards the prevention of heart attack. Apples are another food choice that has the ability to lower bad cholesterol levels. This has been supported by numerous studies conducted on various types of food in an effort to determine which ones work best to help lower cholesterol. It has been reported that drinking approximately 12 ounces of apple juice or consuming 2 apples daily has the ability to reduce the occurrence of a heart attack by as much as 50% in the average individual.
Blueberries are a very beneficial food that is known to contain pterostilbene which is a substance that has the ability to reduce cholesterol levels with few if any side effects. Garlic and onions have also been reported to have a similar effect by raising the levels of good cholesterol. In addition to this garlic also is beneficial as a natural blood thinner making the development of blood clots less likely. Anything that helps to raise the levels of good cholesterol is also effective in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol.
Some other food choices that may lead to the reduction of cholesterol levels include such foods as avocados, black soya beans, flaxseed oil, pomegranate juice, walnuts and green leafy vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage and many others. Fish and fish oil are also considered to be good choices in foods that have the ability to lower cholesterol levels in many individuals.
If you are an individual who routinely battles issues with high cholesterol it is highly recommended that you eat as many foods as possible that possess the ability to reduce cholesterol levels. Not only will this help to reduce these levels but will also ultimately prevent the occurrence of a heart attack which can be caused by these elevated levels.
