Natural remedies to reduce cholesterol. Cholesterol has a very bad reputation, but what not everyone knows is that it is a molecule of vital importance for the proper functioning of the human body.
Essential to producing bile, which is the substance that helps eliminate fats during digestion, but is also essential for vitamin D, steroid sex hormones, and adrenaline. In practice, as long as cholesterol remains contained in cell membranes and does not touch high levels, it has a beneficial function for the body.
Problems start when there are large accumulations in the blood and this particular condition is called hypercholesterolemia.
Too much bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein (LDL), can actually lead to the development of the cardiovascular disease. For this reason, if you have recorded an LDL level higher than 99 mg / dL from the latest blood tests, you should consult your primary care physician and start resizing your daily habits: from table to lifestyle. , to be within desirable limits.
Natural remedies to lower cholesterol: nutrition
Foods rich in saturated fat are the primary cause of hypercholesterolemia. Therefore, the first natural remedy to counteract bad cholesterol is to change your eating style and reduce portion sizes.
To naturally prevent or reduce LDL levels, you don’t have to go on prohibitive diets, but there are some simple rules that lay the foundation for a healthy, balanced diet.
Dare to buy seasonal fruits and vegetables, legumes, cereals (preferably whole), bluefish rich in Omega three and white meat. Also, plant sterols cannot be lost in a diet designed to lower cholesterol.
Of these, also known as phytosterols, some vegetable oils are naturally rich such as wheat germ, rapeseed, sunflower, grapeseed, and olive; sesame or sunflower seeds; nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and pistachios; olives and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Physical activity to lower cholesterol: what to do?
It is true that to lower cholesterol it is necessary to say goodbye to a sedentary lifestyle. If you’re already thinking about signing up for expensive gym courses, know that the WHO has established that 150 minutes of aerobic physical activity per week is enough to keep your risk of cardiovascular disease under control. So with about 30 minutes a day, you can completely lower your blood LDL levels.
A half-hour departure a day is enough every day, a quick walk, replacing the car with a bicycle to cover short distances, using stairs instead of an elevator: all the little tricks that will help you to limit the possibilities of having cholesterol that damages the body.