Cardiologists suggest eating the right foods to lower your cholesterol. This is important for heart health since high cholesterol can be harmful. Not only should you cut back on certain fats, but you can also make positive changes such as exercising and giving up smoking. Some might need medication as well. Let’s dive into the best foods that help bring down cholesterol levels, recommended by a senior cardiologist. Plus, we’ll tackle two frequently asked questions about this topic.

Some cholesterol-reducing foods suggested by cardiologists

To lower your cholesterol, you can eat below cardiologists’ recommended foods.

Oats

You can start your day with oats. They are rich in fiber and beta-gluc͏an, which may decrease cholesterol. Plus, they keep your immune system strong and reduce good pressure.

Barl͏ey

Barley is a ͏ smart choice for cutting down LDL (bad) ͏ cholesterol and overall levels. It is packed with healthy antioxidants, minerals, and phytochemicals that support your heart and arteries.

Beans

Beans boast plenty of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. You can eat them to cut down on LDL ͏͏ cholesterol, total cholesterol. You can also consume it to reduce blood pressure and sugar levels. They also fight inflammation in the body.

Nuts

Nuts are packed ͏͏ with good fats, protein, fiber,͏ and antioxidants. They are great for your heart. Nuts can cut down bad cholesterol (LDL), overall cholesterol ͏͏ levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar. They might also ease swelling in the body.

Seeds

Seeds boast healthy unsaturated fats, proteins, fibers, and antioxidants. Eating seeds can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol amounts, blood pressure levels, and sugar levels in ͏ the blood. Seeds can also lessen swelling.

Fish

Fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids that can bring down both LDL and total cholesterol by stopping its build-up in the liver while helping to clear it out of your system. Omega-3s make a dent in high blood pressure, and reduce clotting and inflammation; they’re solid ͏͏ allies against heart diseases too! Try eating fish twice weekly or consider fish oil ͏͏ pills.

Olive Oil

Olive oil—a top choice for healthy fat—cuts ͏ back on ͏͏ cholesterol while boosting the health of your arteries’ lining ͏͏ from within. Packed with protective antioxidants along with vitamins and plant compounds (phytochemicals), it helps heal both heart and blood vessels.

Av͏ocado

Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, ͏ and antioxidants. It can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels. Eating it may also lessen swelling.͏

Ga͏rlic

Garlic helps fight many illnesses. It stops your liver from making too much cholesterol and helps to clear ͏ it out. So, it brings down bad cholesterol and overall levels. Garlic can also help lower your blood pressure, ͏ prevent clots, and reduce swelling. ͏͏

FAQs ͏

Q: What amount of these foods should I eat?

A: While no set amount fits everyone, common advice includes at least 25-30g of fiber daily; a minimum of five portions of fruits and veggies; two or ͏͏ more servings ͏͏ of fish each week; an ounce of nuts and seeds every day; two tablespoons of olive oil per day; half an avocado daily; plus ͏ two to four garlic cloves each day. Also, try to limit animal ͏͏ fat and cholesterol to under 10% of your total calorie intake.

Q: Can eating certain foods cause problems or affect medicines?

A: Most food items are safe, ͏ but some can cause issues or interfere with medications you might be taking. For example, nuts, seeds, and fish could trigger allergies in some people. Also, eating a lot of fiber, garlic,͏ or omega-3 fatty acids may lead to tummy troubles, bleeding risks, or changes in blood pressure. Always talk to your doctor ͏ before changing what you eat if you have health concerns or take drugs

Conclusion

To lower your cholesterol, eat foods like oats, barley, beans, nuts, seeds, ͏ fish, and olive oil. Add avocado and garlic for ͏͏ extra help. These can lower bad LDL cholesterol and improve overall heart health. They can also lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Regular exercise, stopping smoking, and possibly medications are important too. Need more advice on heart health? ، Call CK Birla Hospital at +91 33 40880000 — our cardiologists ͏͏ are there ͏͏ to assist ͏͏ you.