The issue of high cholesterol has become quite common nowadays due to poor dietary habits and a lack of physical activity, which can lead to elevated levels of bad cholesterol in the body. If high cholesterol persists for a long time, it can negatively impact heart health. Therefore, taking the right diet alongside medications is extremely important. According to Dr Shubham Vatsya, including certain healthy foods in your diet can help control cholesterol levels.
Benefits of Oats
Oats are beneficial for controlling cholesterol as they contain a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which forms a gel-like substance in the stomach. This gel binds to cholesterol and flushes it out of the body through waste. However, instead of buying flavored oats from the market, people should use steel-cut or rolled oats. Flavored oats contain added sugar, salt, and chemicals that can be harmful to health.
Role of Walnuts
Among all dry fruits, walnuts are considered extremely beneficial for heart health because they provide plant-based omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce bad cholesterol in the body. When you include walnuts in your diet, it helps control bad cholesterol levels. Additionally, the polyunsaturated fats present in walnuts help keep artery walls healthy and flexible.
Properties of Garlic
Raw garlic contains a sulfur compound called allicin, which helps control bad cholesterol and maintains better heart health. Consuming raw garlic on an empty stomach is considered the most beneficial method.
Advantages of Green Tea
Green tea is helpful in managing both weight and cholesterol levels. The catechins and antioxidants found in green tea boost metabolism, which keeps body weight under control and helps reduce bad cholesterol in the body.
Importance of Flaxseeds
The importance of omega-3 fatty acids for heart health cannot be ignored. Flaxseeds contain an omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid, which keeps heart blood vessels healthy, reduces inflammation, lowers bad cholesterol, and helps regulate blood pressure.
