Confused Over What to Eat? Here’s What To Eat Now to Improve Cholesterol Levels and Cut Heart Disease Risk
High cholesterol can lead to severe health issues, such as heart disease and strokes, making it crucial to monitor your levels.
Eating a healthy diet is a useful strategy to manage this fatty substance. However, during the hot summer months, people tend to eat less as the body prioritizes cooling down.
Thankfully, nutrition coach Lisa Marley suggests several light, hydrating foods that not only help control cholesterol levels but also keep you refreshed.
Watermelon
Watermelon is a quintessential summer food, largely due to its high water content—92 percent, to be exact.
Marley suggests, “A 160g serving contains over 120ml of water, so you should aim to eat that amount a day.”
Notably, watermelon is a source of an antioxidant called lycopene, which is associated with reduced total and “bad” cholesterol levels.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are another hydration powerhouse, boasting 95 percent water content. They can replenish not just your body but your skin as well.
Marley mentions, “Cucumbers are rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that help remove waste from the body and reduce skin irritation.”
Furthermore, cucumbers contain soluble fiber, pectin, which contributes to lowering cholesterol levels.
Red Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers are nutrient-dense, filled with water, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, largely due to their longer vine ripening period.
Marley advises, Eating “one large red bell pepper a day” can provide beneficial cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber.
Soya Yoghurt
Yogurt is another hydrating food that pairs well with other water-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
Soya yogurt is particularly beneficial for cholesterol levels, as it is low in saturated fat.
Marley points out, “Reducing consumption of saturated fat, as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle, helps maintain normal cholesterol levels.”
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