6 High Cholesterol Foods That Are Super Healthy
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance that’s made by the body and found in some foods. Too much cholesterol can build up on the artery walls, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. There are two types of cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body. High levels of LDL (or “bad” cholesterol”) can build up in arteries, increasing the risk for heart disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from artery walls. Symptoms of high cholesterol include headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.
Below are six common high cholesterol foods that are also super healthy:
1. Beans and legumes
Legumes are packed with soluble fiber, which can reduce LDL cholesterol. Beans and legumes also contain high amounts of cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber.
2. Avocados
Avocados contain monounsaturated fatty acids and healthy fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels. This fruit is also full of vitamin C and E, both antioxidants that protect against clogged arteries. Studies show that consuming avocado regularly can significantly increase good cholesterol (HDL) while decreasing the amount of LDL absorbed into the bloodstream by as much as 25 percent!
3. Fatty fish
Salmon and tuna contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and triglycerides (risk for heart disease), and help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries. Salmon also contains astaxanthin, a carotenoid antioxidant shown to protect people from cancer and cardiovascular disease. This antioxidant is also what gives salmon it’s bright pink color. This is one of the foods with high “good” cholesterol that you should always have in your refrigerator.
4. Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts are good sources of monounsaturated fats, which can reduce total blood cholesterol levels by up to 10 percent. The body has a difficult time digesting the fats found in nuts, so they have a lower fat absorption rate. They also contain fiber, which makes them satisfying and filling. Though they are categorized as high cholesterol foods, their benefits far outweigh any disadvantages when they are eaten in moderation.
5. Pectin-rich fruits
Green apples, citrus fruits, and dark berries are high in soluble fiber. The body has difficulty digesting the fibers found in pectin-rich fruits. In fact, the body absorbs only about five percent of the total fruit’s calories. All of these fruits have also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and are quite healthy when consumed regularly.
6. Oats
There’s a lot of cholesterol in oats; however, it’s the good kind. Oats contain beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that reduces LDL cholesterol levels by up to 11 percent. In fact, 25 grams of soluble fiber from oats may lower bad cholesterol by eight points within two weeks! Plus, oatmeal makes a comforting breakfast food, and oat flour can be used as a replacement for other flours. Oats are naturally rich in vitamin E, which can reduce LDL cholesterol levels by increasing the amount of good cholesterol (HDL) in the body.