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11 best foods to lower bad cholesterol (LDL)

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11 foods that lower cholesterol

Discover the best 11 foods to lower bad cholesterol (LDL).

Foods and ingredients that, incorporated into the diet, help us fight bad cholesterol.

Cholesterol is a molecule composed of fatty acids that, when found in excessive levels in the blood, can cause heart disease, which is why there is a general concern to lower cholesterol levels.

Exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and adding foods to lower bad cholesterol to the diet are the recommendations that doctors make to counteract this evil.

10 foods that help lower bad cholesterol

For cholesterol to be transported through the blood, it needs lipoproteins; When these are of low density and their levels are excessive, they accumulate in the circulatory system, blocking it, the so-called “bad cholesterol” appears.

On the other hand, if the lipoproteins are of high density, they transport the cholesterol that accumulates in the circulatory system and helps to eliminate it, it is the “good cholesterol”

What foods help lower bad cholesterol levels? Let’s see a few.

1. Oatmeal

It is the food par excellence in the mission of lowering bad cholesterol levels. It contains a fiber that, unlike other cereals, is soluble.

It is recommended to consume three grams of oats daily, and when cholesterol levels are not very high, in a few weeks they will drop considerably.

2. Apple

Eating an apple a day takes care of the arteries, as it reduces the absorption of the fact that other foods provide.

This fruit to a certain extent prevents cholesterol from adhering to the wall of the blood vessels thanks to the fact that it contains flavonoids.

It will also help you fight hypertension and not retain fluids. In short, regularly consuming apples is excellent for lowering blood cholesterol levels.

3. Flax and Chia Seeds

These seeds are a good source of omega 3 and studies show that their consumption reduces cholesterol between 6 and 13%. Chia seeds are also very rich in fiber and antioxidants.

They can be included in salads as the recommendation is that they be consumed without soaking.

4. Egg white

Contrary to the belief that eggs raise blood cholesterol levels, the fatty acids in egg whites help increase good cholesterol. Having two boiled egg whites for breakfast is one of the best food alternatives to lower bad cholesterol.

5. Vegetable oils

Sunflower, olive, or canola oil should substitute for oils of animal origin. These vegetable oils contain polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Accompanying salads or vegetables and fruits with these oils that help lower cholesterol levels is an excellent option.

6. Eggplant

Eggplant is a fruit that contains chlorogenic acid that helps prevent good cholesterol from oxidizing. It also works by absorbing cholesterol in the blood. It should be eaten cooked and whole without removing the skin or the seeds.

Eggplant is a powerful food to lower cholesterol levels; just cut it into large pieces, cook it and consume it to notice results in a short time.

7. Walnuts

Walnuts contain a type of omega 3 that not only increases good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol, but also promotes the elasticity of blood vessels, prevents blood clots, and lowers high blood pressure.

It is enough to consume 3 or 4 a day for this seed to lower cholesterol levels. But you should not eat too many, as they contain a lot of fat.

8. Legumes

These are effective foods to lower bad cholesterol because they are a source of soluble fiber that works like a broom, sweeping it away and then eliminating it along with the feces.

But it is not the only function of legumes. When fiber is working, the liver needs more cholesterol to produce more bile salts, thus reducing its concentration.

Lentils, beans, chickpeas, and beans should be consumed regularly to reduce bad cholesterol in the body.

9. Blueberries

These berries increase good cholesterol and reduce blood pressure, artery stiffness, and general inflammation. In general, they are considered an excellent food to take care of the heart and their consumption is excellent for lowering good cholesterol.

Blueberries can be consumed dried or fresh and in either form is food that lowers cholesterol levels.

10. Fatty fish

Faced with a high level of cholesterol in the blood, we must eliminate the consumption of red meat. A good substitute for these is fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardine, or trout. They can be cooked on the grill.

These foods are rich in omega 3, so they lower blood pressure, prevent blood clotting, and therefore lower total cholesterol.

11. Almonds and chocolate

The surprise on the list of foods that lower bad cholesterol is chocolate. The truth is that the exact combination of almonds and chocolates has proven to be heart-healthy.

Research-backed by the University of Pennsylvania has shown that 20 g of almonds along with ¼ cup of dark chocolate reduce low-density lipoproteins, thereby lowering bad cholesterol.

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Benefits of apple cider vinegar gummies

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Discover the benefits of apple cider vinegar gummies.

We all remember when we were kids and we had a jar of vitamin gummy that tasted like candy. One of the best ways to get younger children to take their vitamins is by camouflaging them as one of their favorite snacks: fruit snacks.

Apple  Cider Vinegar (ACV) gummies may not be as palatable to younger children, but they have a lot of appeal for adults.

Recently, ACV gummies have been gaining in popularity—here’s a brief overview of what apple cider vinegar is and why it’s all the rage.

What is apple cider vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar has been a popular home remedy in cooking and medicine for centuries.

There are many mentions about the therapeutic effects of apple cider vinegar, but it is important to note that it has not been shown that it can treat or cure diseases; however, they can be used together for greater health benefits.

Some people claim that stroke can prevent and treat multiple diseases, including cancer, but there is no research to back up these claims.

Making apple cider vinegar is a bit different than making apple cider. Both are made from pressed apples, but in ACV the apples are fermented. Fermentation is the chemical breakdown using bacteria or yeast.

During the fermentation process, the sugar in apples is converted to alcohol and after adding beneficial bacteria to further fermentation, it creates acetic acid.

Acetic acid is one of the main components of vinegar and is responsible for many of the health benefits in vinegar, including apple cider vinegar.

Other types of vinegar are made by fermenting grains, while apple cider vinegar is made by fermenting apples.

ACV can mainly be purchased in two presentations, filtered and unfiltered:

The unfiltered alternative includes the “mother”, which appears cloudy when viewing the bottle. Cloudiness does not mean it has gone bad.

Rather, these are the beneficial gut proteins, enzymes, and bacteria. If you are going to use the unfiltered alternative, be sure to shake the jar first.

The filtered alternative does not have the “mother” and has undergone a filtration process and probably a pasteurization process as well.

Both types of ACV can be used in a variety of ways, such as baking, cooking, beauty products, and even household cleaning. It’s a versatile ingredient and a great kitchen staple to have on hand.

Health benefits of apple cider vinegar gummies

The health benefits are one of the main reasons ACV is so popular. Here are some of the main pathologies on which apple cider vinegar could have an effect.

1. Regulation of blood sugar level

The blood sugar level is the amount of glucose in our blood that the body can use for energy. When levels rise and fall inconsistently, this can lead to chronic disease.

Some studies have shown that taking apple cider vinegar before a high-carbohydrate meal might slow the rate at which food passes from your stomach to your intestines.

A slower rate of emptying prevents sudden ups and downs in blood sugar levels. ACV might also help improve insulin sensitivity by moving more glucose out of the bloodstream.

It has been shown that around four teaspoons a day can produce benefits. Remember to take your medications as prescribed and work with your healthcare professional if you are making any changes.

2. Weight Loss

Some report better weight control when supplementing with ACV. A common report is a feeling of fullness that causes people to eat less.

A 3-month study found that daily consumption of apple cider vinegar led to a reduction in abdominal fat and weight loss.

The best results have been seen when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.

Adding an item to your lifestyle probably won’t have a significant effect on your overall weight loss or weight management. For long-term success in weight management, consult with a registered dietitian.

3. Elimination of bacteria

Vinegar has been used for its antibacterial properties for many years, especially in cleaning agents and cooking methods such as pickling.

Vinegar, including apple cider vinegar, may help kill pathogens like bacteria, though it may not be as effective as commercial-grade cleaners.

It could also be used to preserve food, as it prevents the growth of bacteria in food to prevent it from spoiling quickly.

4. Cholesterol reduction

There have been some studies that indicate that vinegar might reduce the chance of developing heart disease. These conditions are often genetic, but dietary changes have also shown benefits.

An animal study showed that ACV intake reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both of which are associated with heart health.

There are no conclusive human studies regarding these claims, so definitive conclusions cannot be drawn.

Ways to take apple cider vinegar

There are several ways to take ACV: it can be in the form of liquid, capsules, tablets, and gummies. Recently, gummies have become a popular way to take supplements, especially for those who don’t like the taste of a nutrient in other forms.

Gummies are edible, sweet, and chewy, and sometimes come in various shapes and sizes. Taking supplements in gummy form has several advantages:

Gummies are practical. If you’re on the go or in a hurry, it’s easy to take apple cider vinegar gummies with you wherever you go. They are easy to take and you won’t have to drink water or worry about how much liquid you have when you pack.

Gummies are typically preferred because they taste better than other forms of supplements. This makes them an attractive alternative. This also increases the desire to take your vitamins and leads to less forgetfulness.

Having a fun period in the day, like taking a vitamin gummy, could be nostalgic and fun. The best way to remember to do something is to have fun doing it. A flashback to the past can be an invigorating way to take your vitamins.

Something to consider when choosing supplements in the form of gummies is the sugar content. To make them taste sweet like a fruit snack, sugar sometimes needs to be added.

Some vitamin gummies may have 2 to 8 grams of sugar per serving. When the amount of added sugar is higher, this reduces the health benefits, even when combined with health-promoting foods like apple cider vinegar.

If sugar is excluded, the gummies could use artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, which could cause digestive problems in some people.

Because they are so delicious, they may be easier to overeat. Keep in mind what the recommended portion is and stick to it. Excess consumption, especially in children, can lead to vitamin or mineral toxicity.

Vegans and vegetarians looking to add apple cider vinegar gummies to their routine, or any other type of gummy, can take a look at the ingredient list. Many gummies are made with cornstarch, water, sugar, food coloring, and gelatin.

Gelatin is made from the bones and ligaments of animals and is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians. Instead, choose a vegan-friendly ACV gummy that uses pectin.

Ways to use apple cider vinegar

Not only can you take ACV orally as a nutritional supplement, but you can also use it at home or in cooking or baking. Here are some ideas for incorporating this must-have product into your routine.

Prepare an all-purpose cleaner by mixing 1 cup of water with a half cup of apple cider vinegar.

Do you have fruit that has been out in the open too long or a new plant in the house? You may need help catching fruit flies. Pour 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar into a glass and add a few drops of dish detergent and they’ll be gone in no time.

Prepare a  solution for fruits and vegetables that allows you to better clean your produce. Using apple cider vinegar to wash your product may help reduce bacteria like Escherichia coli and Salmonella.

Side Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar

In general, ACV is safe to consume, but it could cause side effects in some people. Due to its high degree of acidity, regular intake could damage tooth enamel.

Those who use medications such as insulin or diuretics should also check with their healthcare professional before making any changes, as ACV may have drug interactions with these medications.

If you experience nausea or vomiting after taking ACV, this could be due to heartburn. Stop use immediately and see your doctor.

Conclusions

All in all,  apple cider vinegar can be very effective, both for use at home and for possibly promoting health benefits related to blood sugar, weight management, and bacteria.

If you’re thinking of taking ACV, check with your doctor before starting anything new.

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