Seven types of fruits play a medicinal role in lowering cholesterol. Photo: File
London: High blood cholesterol or high cholesterol has become a global epidemic. However, consumption of certain fruits and vegetables has been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, a risk factor for heart disease. Many of these fruits are available around us.
Fruits are rich in natural ingredients, polyphenols, fibers and other important minerals. Fiber particles stick to cholesterol once it reaches the intestines and prevent it from being absorbed into the blood. The names of these seven fruits are:
An apple a day
Apple helps to keep cholesterol away as well as warding off the doctor. Apples contain soluble fiber, vitamin C and potassium. Red and green apples contain all the essential antioxidants that keep the heart healthy. Therefore, it is important to eat apples for breakfast in the morning because this way the beneficial effects are maintained throughout the day.
Avocado
Mangosteen or avocado is now also found in Pakistan. This tasteless fruit is considered a ‘superfood’. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats. It lowers bad (LDL) cholesterol and increases good (HDL) cholesterol. Then it contains many types of fatty acids. Apart from this, fiber, potassium and vitamin C are also found in abundance.
Berries
Consuming strawberries, blueberries, cranberries and grapes belonging to this genus can play an important role in lowering cholesterol. Be sure to eat a cup of berries every day as they are rich in antioxidants. Blackberries, like other berries, protect the heart and contain a large amount of soluble fiber. Raspberries and strawberries can directly lower cholesterol.
Mosambi, orange and grapefruit
Lemons, oranges, canola and grapefruit are called citrus fruits. They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that protect the heart. The soluble fiber present in these fruits reduces cholesterol, which has also been scientifically proven.
grape
Grapes contain soluble fiber and antioxidants that play a very important role in lowering cholesterol. Grapes also contain a chemical, resveratrol, that keeps the heart healthy.
pomegranate
Pomegranate has many benefits as it has been shown to control blood pressure and is good for the heart. Thanks to its soluble fiber and antioxidants, it is no less than a medicinal tonic.
lemon
Lemon quenches thirst, is friendly to the digestive system and is a treasure trove of vitamin C. The valuable ingredients present in it play an important role in reducing cholesterol. Even one lemon contains up to 40 mg of vitamin C. So don’t give up on lemon as it thins the blood and improves circulation.
(function(d, s, id){
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3&appId=770767426360150”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.7”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));