Monday, September 8, 2008

Medical Advisor Journals----Heart Diseases and Strokes-- Articles Written By Friends and Health Experts

4 Foods Which Lower Cholesterol
By Lauren S Johnson Platinum Quality Author


High cholesterol is not a joke. It can lead to serious life threatening complications if untreated; that it why it is important to maintain a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. When it comes down to a healthy lifestyle, daily exercise is a must. As for healthy eating habits, here are a few foods which are proven to lower bad cholesterol (or LDL).

Oatmeal is one of the most well known and beneficial LDL lowering foods. This particular product contains soluble fiber which reduces your low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Soluble fiber can also be found in kidney beans, apples, rears, barley and prunes. The walnut is yet another cholesterol lowering food. This particular nut is made up of polyunsaturated fatty acids which are proven to not only reduce bad cholesterol but also keep blood vessels healthy and elastic. However, given that walnuts are fattening, a simple 2 ounce serving each day will be enough.

Third LDL lowering food is fish. It has been proven that all fatty fish are rich in omega 3 fats. What these omega 3 fats do for our bodies is reduce blood pressure, reduce the risk for blood clots, and lower bad cholesterol. Some of the highest levels of omega 3 fats can be found in mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon. Just be sure to bake or grill the fish in order to reap the most health benefits.

Last but not least, olive oil has been known to reduce LDL. This particular product contains a rich mixture of antioxidants which lower bad cholesterol and leave the good cholesterol untouched. The Food and Drug Administration recommends two tablespoons (23grams) of olive oil each day. You can incorporate this product in your diet by sautéing your veggies in it or mixing it with vinegar as salad dressing. These are just a few of the most beneficial LDL lowering foods.

Lauren S. Johnson writes health articles about fitness and nutrition.

Some of her favorite passions include studying the medicinal benefits of herbal remedies, diet pills and hoodia gordonii.