Connect with us

Health

11 best foods to lower bad cholesterol (LDL)

Published

on

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.

Health

Benefits of almond milk for weight loss

Published

on

By

almond milk for weight loss

Discover the benefits of almond milk for weight loss.

We can take advantage of the contribution of healthy fats, amino acids, and fiber from almond milk to lose weight and take care of our general health, since it also has cardiovascular and bone benefits.

Many people have started consuming almond milk to lose weight. Although it is a drink with a high caloric intake compared to other non-dairy milk, its contributions of fiber, amino acids, and healthy fats make it a great option for the diet.

On the other hand, it is a food free of lactose and gluten, and its cholesterol concentration is almost zero. In addition, it is an interesting contribution of calcium, which makes it also suitable for caring for bones. What other benefits does it provide? How do you prepare?

Due to the boom, it has had among Hollywood celebrities, it can now be purchased in commercial presentations. However, its natural preparation is still recommended, since it is the best way to preserve all its properties and avoid chemical additives.

Benefits of almond milk for weight loss

Almond milk has become popular throughout the world as one of the best substitutes for cow’s milk, according to this study from the San Paolo Hospital in Milan, although it is advisable to administer it together with other compounds in the case of babies. It is not only recommended for those who are lactose intolerant and followers of the vegan diet, but also for those who want to take care of their weight and health.

From a nutritional point of view, it stands out for its contribution of omega 3 fatty acids, a type of healthy fat that protects the health of the heart. This nutrient lowers the concentration of cholesterol in the arteries and contributes to proper metabolic function. This is suggested by this research from the University of Chile.

It also makes a light contribution of complex carbohydrates, a macronutrient that helps to have an optimal level of energy. Its slow assimilation keeps the metabolism active and prevents high spikes in blood glucose.

Due to its calcium and magnesium content, its regular consumption also strengthens the bones. Although its contributions are not as high as those of cow’s milk, they are significant to obtaining the body’s requirements.

Another important reason to drink almond milk for weight loss is its amino acid content. As some know, these nutrients are key to losing weight and increasing muscle mass. Its adequate assimilation improves sports performance and reduces the risk of injuries.

How to prepare almond milk to lose weight?

The preparation of almond milk to lose weight does not take too much time and is quite simple. In addition, it is healthier than buying milk that is sold on the market, as it does not contain preservatives or chemical additives.

Ingredients

•1 cup of natural almonds, not roasted (150 g)

•6 cups of water (1.5 liters)

Preparation

•First, soak the almonds in two cups of water (500 ml).

•Let them sit for at least 8 hours, or overnight.

•After this time, discard the soaking water and put the almonds in the blender.

•Add the remaining cups of water and process for a few minutes.

•After obtaining a white and foamy drink, proceed to strain it.

•Use a cloth strainer for best results. Squeeze the milk well and store it in a glass jar with a lid.

Note:  Optionally you can add a little cinnamon and honey.

Consumption mode

Have a cup of almond milk at breakfast or during snacks.

If you prefer, use it as a base to prepare your smoothies with fruits and vegetables.

Try to moderate its consumption, since in excess it can add many calories.

How to use leftover almonds?

After straining the almond milk you will be left with fine flour that can be reused. It’s a great option for another healthy diet recipe. However, to store it, you will have to do another process.

Instructions

•Preheat the oven to 350ºF (about 180ºC).

•Meanwhile, spread the almond flour on a tray.

•Put it in the oven and leave it for 15 minutes, until it is very dry.

•Use this flour to replace refined flour when making cookies, bread, or any dessert.

•Did you know? 6 consequences you can suffer from eating refined flour

Contraindications of almond milk

Although almond milk for weight loss provides many benefits, its contraindications should not be overlooked. In case of metabolic disorders, pregnancy, or specific diseases, it is better to consult a doctor before consumption.

•Drinking almond milk in excess can hinder the absorption of iodine.

•It contains substances that can irritate the thyroid gland, causing inflammation.

•It is not recommended for babies.

•Ingested in large quantities, it can trigger migraine attacks due to its tyrosine content.

In summary, preparing almond milk to lose weight has important benefits. However, some special cases must be considered so that its intake is not counterproductive.

Continue Reading

Health

20 benefits of Mucuna Pruriens and side effects

Published

on

By

benefits of Mucuna Pruriens

Discover the 20 health benefits of Mucuna Pruriens and side effects.

Mucuna Pruriens , known as velvet bean, is a plant of the legume family.

The original habitat of Mucuna Pruriens extends throughout the tropics on all continents, beginning with Africa, the Caribbean islands, northern Australia, India, Southeast Asia (including Indonesia), and the Pacific islands.

 

Mucuna Pruriens is a seasonal legume that grows to spread.

This plant can be used for human and animal food (forage and seeds) and environmental services.

Advertisements

The young leaves, pods, and seeds can give some benefits, especially for food ingredients like Tempe which originally comes from Indonesia and is made by fermenting boiled seed paste.

Nutrition facts of Mucuna Pruriens

The nutrients contained in Mucuna pruriens are:

• Energy 32 Kcal

• Protein 24 g

• Fat 3 g

• Carbohydrates 55 g

Advertisements

• Calcium 130 mg

• Phosphorous 200 mg

• Zinc 2 mg

• Vitamin A 70 IU

• Vitamin B1 0.3 g

• Vitamin C 0 mg

20 health benefits of Mucuna pruriens

Of the nutrients above, here are the health benefits of mucuna pruriens:

1.- Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens for cholesterol

According to various scientific studies carried out, the results show that mucuna pruriens has saponin content.

This saponin serves to lower cholesterol levels in the body.

This content binds to bile acids and causes bound cholesterol. So this plant is often called an anti-cholesterol plant.

2.- It works as an antioxidant body

Too much oxidation with the skin can cause free radicals.

Therefore, it is necessary to get as many antioxidants as possible that are useful to prevent the appearance of free radicals.

Mucuna pruriens is also one of the plants that contain flavonoids that produce antioxidants or antioxidants.

3.- Prevents skin aging

The flavonoid content in Mucuna Pruriens is also helpful in preventing premature aging.

Self-aging can occur because the skin is often exposed to air pollution and direct sunlight.

The flavonoid will lift the dull skin and regenerate the dead skin from these problems.

In addition, the flavonoid also protects and maintains the health of the skin.

4.- Avoid allergies

According to the study, after consuming or using Mucuna Pruriens, the body will respond to things that can cause the allergy to be rejected.

So that the body becomes comfortable with the disturbance that surrounds it.

The smell and taste of this plant are also not too strong which can often cause allergies.

5.-Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens for diarrhea

Eating foods and drinks that contain flavonoids like mucuna pruriens is also beneficial for the digestive system.

The benefit is preventing the body from lacking fluids that can cause diarrhea.

This disease is often infected, especially in children.

6.- Increased libido (aphrodisiac)

Inside mucuna pruriens, there is a substance called levodopa and it gives some good effects as an aphrodisiac.

It can increase libido, which can be interpreted as an increase in a person’s sexual desire.

This can happen to both men and women.

According to some studies, especially in Brazil, people use the leaves of this plant to increase male sexual desire and it shows some great results.

7.- Protein producer and energy source

The mucuna pruriens that we already know from above can be used as one of the raw materials of Tempe.

It is also beneficial as a source of protein substitutes apart from the more expensive meats and contains other substances.

Mucuna pruriens serve as an essential nutrient in the body.

This plant contains epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine that give some effects that can increase energy and focus. It is the same result as a dose of caffeine.

Therefore, consuming it will increase the body’s energy inactivity.

Also, the body will feel full for a long time, and it will make the body feel more energetic.

8.- Heals minor wounds

The sap from the stem of the mucuna pruriens plant is beneficial in treating minor external ulcers.

It is because the content in the stem can heal these minor wounds, such as torn, stabbed, cut, scratched, or lightly burned wounds.

9.- Relieves Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a gradual degeneration of nerve cells in the center of the brain that regulate body movement.

It is often characterized by tremors.

Parkinson’s itself can also lead to other serious illnesses, especially psychiatric problems.

L-dopa contained in the seed of mucuna pruriens is a precursor of dopamine and improves the level of dopamine in the brain.

However, L-dopa is not the only substance responsible for use in the prevention of Parkinson’s disease.

In addition, there are other substances in the seeds that can act as neuroprotectors and reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

10.- Helps reduce stress

Feelings of stress can be fatal to the body. This is because if a person is depressed, they will tend to perform actions that are beyond the control of their mind.

Also, it can affect others because that person will try to blame others, get angry easily, and most dangerously, that person can also hurt others to get rid of stress.

Fortunately, the consumption of mucuna pruriens can refresh the mind to be calmer due to the fragrant smell and taste.

11.- Benefits of Mucuna Pruriens for diabetes

Mucuna pruriens contains proteins and some vitamins that are useful in the fight against hypertension.

The study was carried out in mice and concluded that blood sugar levels were lowered by 21.89% in four weeks.

The result of this can also be used by humans. We already know that proteins can maintain blood sugar levels and that vitamins contain antioxidants and pure sugar that do not increase blood sugar levels.

12.- Increases the immune system

Within the mucuna pruriens, there are phosphorus and calcium substances that increase resistance and white blood cells.

According to a 2008 study by the Technical University of Lisbon in Portugal, the lack of these two substances can weaken the immune system.

According to 1996 research at the University of Arkansas, phosphorus deficiency is often associated with vitamin D and calcium deficiency.

These nutritional deficiencies can enhance the autoimmune disorder.

13.- Helps maintain the nervous system

The content of vitamin B1, phosphorus, and iron in Mucuna pruriens is very important to keep the nervous system working properly.

Phosphorus is one of the important minerals in the body. Phosphorus directly maintains normal neural activity.

While iron plays a role in red blood cell regulation, it remains awake, so the nerve can work optimally.

14.- It can substitute Viagra for the reproductive system

Popular research claims that couples who have healthy and active sex lives are relatively happier and even live longer.

But this can be problematic if the man has erectile dysfunction.

Viagra is the most popular pill for increasing sexual desire/libido in men and it also helps with erectile dysfunction.

People of all ages use these blue pills which hurt health.

Therefore, the consumption of mucuna pruriens becomes a more natural substitute for viagra.

In addition, it is good for normal fertility, healthy sperm and eggs, proper functioning of the reproductive organs, and proper genital secretions.

More uses of Mucuna Pruriens

Here are more health benefits of Mucuna Pruriens.

15.- Good for diet and losing weight

16.- Protect the heart

17.- Circulate the blood flow

18.- Fight against cancer

19.- Good for pregnant women

20.- Make the digestion system work smoothly

Side effects of mucuna pruriens

Contains hydrocyanic acid

Mucuna pruriens contains acid cyanide poison (HCN), especially in the seeds.

This is what reduces the interest in consuming this plant.

One way to eliminate it is by soaking the beans in the water for 1 day, with every 6 hours to replace the water.

This experiment has been done many times and the result is very good but it is too complicated for people who always want an instant path.

It can cause vomiting, headaches, and poor sleep

We should not consume too much mucuna pruriens because it can cause some problems such as vomiting, headaches, and insomnia.

According to research, the correct dose to consume mucuna pruriens is not more than 500 mg per day.

These are all the health benefits of mucuna pruriens.

However, there are some side effects if we eat or use too much. Stay healthy and good luck.

Continue Reading

Health

3 Benefits Of Lemon On The Face That Will Beautify You

Published

on

By

Discover the 3 Benefits Of Lemon On The Face That Will Beautify You.

The benefits of lemon on the face are many since it is a perfect ally in the cure of conditions such as acne, blemishes; Lemon on the face gives our skin a special shine, in addition to being a very easy and inexpensive facial treatment, which we can access without any problems.

Lemon is a fruit that is rich in vitamins C, an antioxidant that helps prevent the appearance of threatening expression lines, and it is about the great benefits of lemon on the face and that way you can have the face of a model magazine, so we invite you to continue reading this interesting post.

3 Benefits of lemon on the face that will make you look like a magazine model.

As we mentioned earlier and in other articles, which we invite you to read, is that lemon is considered a great source of vitamin C, this vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that can help you reduce the appearance of fine lines, which are without a doubt our sworn enemies.

The vitamin C found in lemon is capable of stimulating the production of collagen, another of the benefits of lemon on the face is that it helps to heal the tissues.

For this reason, the skin repairs itself and protects itself from free radicals, which are not only the cause of premature aging but also the development of degenerative diseases.

One of the properties of vitamin C that is present in lemon inhibits the production of melanin, which is why the skin can be noticed with a more uniform tone.

The citric acid found in lemon acts as a gentle exfoliator to remove dead cells and give your skin a healthier appearance.

Lemon juice has a slightly sour taste, so it can cause temporary skin irritation; so people who have sensitive skin should dilute it in a little water, if you notice that it burns a lot, the idea is to rinse it immediately.

1.- Skin whitening.

If you want to even out skin tone, lemon juice on the face can be applied externally at least once a day, for best results fresh lemon juice should be used if they are organic much better.

You can dilute lemon juice in water or green tea, with the latter enhancing its antioxidant power in unimaginable ways; As the skin gets used to the power of the lemon, you can increase the concentration of the juice.

You will notice how the spots on your skin gradually diminish, with the regular use of this remedy you may notice changes in a month to six months, depending on how stained your face is.

2.- Eliminate excess fat.

An oily face will never look quite right, the places where it accumulates the most are the forehead, chin, and around the nose.

To hide those greasy areas you can wet a cotton ball with the juice of half a lemon and gently clean the affected areas, it is important that you avoid the use of lemon in the area near the eyes, on wounds, or skin rashes.

3.- The open pores.

If you want to reduce the size of the pores on your face, one of the benefits of lemon on the face is an easy and very inexpensive remedy, it can be applied in the same way as it is used to remove fat from the face.

Important note.

It is important to clarify that you should avoid exposure to the sun when you have placed lemon on your face; Since this makes the skin more vulnerable to the sun’s rays, which has the consequence that the skin becomes stained.

For this reason, it is recommended that any of the lemon-based remedies you use for your skin be done at night, and you should wash your face the next morning very well before going out.

Other uses of lemon on the face

• The lemon peels are an excellent exfoliant, with these you can eliminate blackheads, in the same way, we can use the lemon along with the sugar.

• If you are looking for a nourishing mask you can do it with a tablespoon of lemon juice, along with one of honey and a few drops of almond oil, this is an excellent natural and very inexpensive anti-wrinkle cream.

• A mask for oily skin is one based on a beaten egg and a tablespoon of lemon juice, if your skin is dry you can do it with honey and olive oil, you will achieve a dream complexion.

• To lighten your skin you can take advantage of a tablespoon of lemon juice, cucumber, tomato, and sandalwood paste, use a tablespoon of each product and mix them very well; you put this mixture on your face for 15 minutes and then wash your face well.

• As always keep in mind that when applying lemon-based treatments, you should not expose yourself to the sun, so do them at night. It is time to enjoy the benefits of lemon on your face and have a model face.

Knowing the benefits of nature and technology can help us improve our health and the way we see life. If you want to know more about our topics, we invite you to continue reading our interesting posts and to follow us on our social networks

Continue Reading

Trending