High Cholesterol Diet: Elevated cholesterol levels greatly increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The World Health Organization states that one-third of ischemic heart disease globally is attributable to high cholesterol. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, called ‘bad’ cholesterol, makes up most of the cholesterol in our bodies. High levels of LDL cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. ‘Good’ cholesterol or HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Like diabetes, diet plays an important role in cholesterol management. Here are 5 beverages that can be consumed to keep cholesterol levels under control.
5 drinks to keep high cholesterol under control
green tea
Rich in antioxidants, green tea lowers LDL and total cholesterol levels. Green tea contains substances such as catechins and epigallocatechin gallate that lower cholesterol levels. Black tea also lowers cholesterol but is reportedly less effective than green tea because it contains fewer catechins.
Berry Smoothie
Antioxidants and fiber help lower cholesterol levels and most berries are rich in these two substances. They are also low in calories and fat. So take half a cup of low-fat milk or yogurt, cold water and two handfuls of any berries – strawberries, blackberries or blueberries – and blend them all in a healthy smoothie.
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cocoa drinks
According to Medical News Today, according to a 2015 study, consuming 450 milligrams of a beverage containing cocoa flavanols twice daily for 1 month lowered levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol while raising levels of “good” HDL cholesterol. However, be sure to limit chocolate drinks with added sugars and salt as they can lead to weight gain.
tomato juice
Lycopene in tomatoes helps in lowering the level of LDL or bad cholesterol. When tomatoes are processed into juice, the lycopene content increases, making it more suitable for lowering cholesterol. Tomato juice is also a storehouse of niacin and cholesterol-lowering fiber.
i am milk
This may not have a significant effect, but replacing cream or high-fat milk products with soy milk, which is low in saturated fat, may keep cholesterol levels in check.