The statin debate may be heating up, but, says an expert nutritionist if you want to lower cholesterol start by adding this delicious superfood to your plate.
When an individual has high cholesterol, it indicates an excessive presence of a fatty substance called cholesterol in their bloodstream. Although this may not appear problematic at first, it can gradually accumulate and create blockages, leading to the hardening of blood vessels.
The consequence of this process is reduced blood flow throughout the body, potentially giving rise to critical medical conditions like heart attacks and strokes.
A primary contributing factor to high cholesterol is diet, particularly one that contains significant amounts of saturated fat. However, just as certain foods can elevate cholesterol levels, there are others that can effectively lower them.
One nutrition expert recommends incorporating persimmon fruit into your diet as a way to help reduce cholesterol levels.
Mays Al-Ali, a registered nutritionist and the founder of the Healthy Mays clinic, explains that persimmon fruit has been shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties.
She suggests enjoying “this yummy orange fruit daily.”
A study conducted on persimmons revealed that the tannin-rich fiber derived from the fruit can effectively reduce total cholesterol levels.
Persimmon fruit, which is golden or orange in color, originally hails from China and northeast India. However, it is now cultivated in various countries, including the US, Spain, Australia, and Israel, although China remains the primary producer.
In addition to its cholesterol-lowering benefits, persimmons are known for their high beta-carotene content and abundance of minerals such as sodium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. These nutrients offer their own unique health advantages.
According to a study published in the Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism in 2012, researchers explored the effects of tannin-rich fiber extracted from persimmon fruit. The study involved a group of 40 participants who were divided into three groups. Each group was given different types of cookie bars: a placebo, a low dose of the fiber, or a high dose.
“Bile acid-binding agents,” as explained by the study, “are known to lower blood cholesterol levels and have been clinically used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia [high cholesterol].”
They “previously showed that tannin-rich fibre from young persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruits had bile acid-binding properties.
“In this study, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the hypocholesterolemic effects of tannin-rich fibre in humans.
“The subjects were divided into three groups and ingested cookie bars containing zero grams, three grams, or five grams of tannin-rich fibre three times daily before meals for 12 weeks.”
Tannin-Rich Fiber from Young Persimmon Fruits Shows Promise in Lowering Cholesterol Levels
The study revealed promising results regarding the impact of tannin-rich fiber derived from young persimmon fruits on cholesterol levels. Researchers found that individuals who consumed both low-dose and high-dose bars experienced a significant reduction in their total cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, the study noted a noteworthy decrease in plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly referred to as “bad” cholesterol, within the high-dose group.
The findings of this investigation suggest that incorporating tannin-rich fiber from young persimmon fruits into one’s diet can be a beneficial approach to managing hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterized by high cholesterol levels.
These results provide encouraging evidence regarding the potential of tannin-rich fiber from young persimmon fruits as a valuable food material for individuals seeking to address and treat high cholesterol levels.
There are various factors that can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, including:
- Inadequate physical activity: Insufficient exercise can lead to an increase in cholesterol levels.
- Smoking: Smoking tobacco is another factor that can raise your cholesterol.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Regular and excessive alcohol intake can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels.
To determine whether your cholesterol is within a healthy range, it is essential to undergo testing. If you suspect that your cholesterol levels might be high, it is advisable to consult your general practitioner (GP) for further evaluation.
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