It is aptly said that all the spadework of happiness is nothing but the good health. Cholesterol is often seen in a bad light but it has a purpose. The fact is that cholesterol is a natural substance that is made by liver and it is essential to ensure proper functioning of many of your nerves and hormones. Though excess cholesterol can occur in the walls of your arteries hindering the blood flow increasing the risk of strokes. There is where it becomes a problem. Here are some ways to lower your cholesterol naturally.
1. Nuts
Want to have tasty snacks and lower cholesterol at the same time? Congratulations! You have nuts to your rescue. Nuts are well known to lower cholesterol levels naturally. Walnuts, cashewnuts and almonds are the best way to diminish your cholesterol levels. But these are also high in calories so decision should be made wisely. You might also like to check out some really important Health Benefits of Dates.
2. Avoid trans fat
Tran’s fats should be avoided as they increase the bad cholesterol and lower the good ones. These are mostly found in commercial, packaged and also fried food items. Trans fats increases the risk of heart stroke and can cause havoc. Thus it is better to choose foods that don’t have trans fats.
3. Don’t smoke
If you are an ardent believer of the concept of smoking then kindly quit your ideas and your smoke too. Quitting smoking can immensely increase your HDL or the good cholesterol. It not only promotes the good cholesterol but also helps to lower down your blood pressure and risk of heart attacks.
4. Chocolates
Chocolates are the tastiest antioxidants alive. It is so rich in antioxidants that it can easily promote the growth of good cholesterol. Dark chocolates should be chosen over milk chocolates as they have more antioxidants. Chocolates and cocoa powder can go a long way in keeping your arteries unclogged.
5. Start the day right
It is recommended to start your day with oatmeal’s if you’re aspiring to lower your cholesterol levels naturally. Oatmeal comprises fiber which transforms into gel once it gets inside your body. It not only gives you a feeling of satiation but also interrupts the digestion of cholesterol eliminating the bad cholesterol from your body.
6. Start exercising
Exercising is the ultimate nirvana to keep your body healthy. Exercising is believed to increase the good cholesterol level, lower the bad ones, and promote healthy flow of blood and also for lowering the blood pressure. At Least 2-3 hours of exercising a week is necessary to ensure the maintenance of your cholesterol level.
7. Getting proper sleep
Get a proper sound sleep of 7-8 hours. Lack of sleep not only increases the bad cholesterol but also increases the blood pressure and enhances the urge to eat. So every time you deprive your body of its deserved rest, please keep in mind that you are risking your heart by letting your bad cholesterol increase.
8. Sprinkle cinnamon
A half tablespoon of cinnamon can magically bring your cholesterol down to greater extents. It also enhances the taste of the food. Next time you eat, let your food sparkle with cinnamon and have its cholesterol fighting potency magnified.
9. Olive Oil
Olive Oil is an amazing wonder that miraculously brings down cholesterol level. It is enriched with monounsaturated fatty acids that not only decreases bad cholesterol but also renders a trimming effect on your belly. Olive oil can be used for cooking vegetables or for salad dressings etc.
10. Soy foods
Soy food items are themselves low in saturated fats and hence they can bring your cholesterol levels down. There are some special kinds of proteins in soy that aids your body to regulate its cholesterol. Eating soybeans or taking in food that is made out of it like soy milk, tofu etc can really help you to lower down your cholesterol levels.
These were some helpful and proven ways to lower the bad cholesterol, increase the good cholesterol and maintain the overall cholesterol level of your body.