Foods that Can Lower Cholesterol

Generally, cholesterol is lipid or a fat like substance that occur in the body. It is said that a certain level of cholesterol is needed for the body to work. And according to American Heart Association, having cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL or higher increases the risk of heart attack and high blood. Too much of it can stick to the walls of the arteries called plaques which can cause narrowing of the arteries or even block them.

High cholesterol is common to people who has a family history of it and to those who practice an unhealthy lifestyle like an eating habit of having fatty foods. It has no symptoms and can only be determined by a series of screening.

You can lower cholesterol level by taking medicine but it is better to do it naturally. According to the American Heart Association, "You can reduce cholesterol in your blood by eating healthful foods, losing weight if you need to and exercising." Here are some foods you can add to your diet to fight cholesterol.

• Shitake Mushrooms
It contains an active component named eritadenine which shows to lower cholesterol.

• Walnuts
It contains omega-3 fatty acids which is beneficial to the heart. And during the studies walnut can be substitute calories supplied by olives and other monounsaturated fats which lowers the cholesterol level.

• SalmonThis fish is a
particularly good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to lower LDL cholesterol while raising the good (HDL) kind.

• Garlic
Numerous studies have demonstrated that eating garlic regularly reduces LDL cholesterol and raises HDL levels.

• Dark Green, Leafy Vegetables
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Family Heart Study, participants who ate four or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day had significantly lower levels of LDL cholesterol than those who ate fewer servings. Among the most powerful veggies are the dark green, leafy variety, such as spinach, kale, collard greens and Swiss chard.

Foods to Avoid Due to High Toxin

Naturally foods contain chemicals that are essential for growth and health. But even the most naturally grown food still has natural toxins that can be harmful when consume repeatedly in large amounts.
Here are some of foods that are generally healthy and good to eat but can be harmful because of the toxins it contains:

• Peanuts and peanut butter

Peanuts are legumes that grown underground as part of a root system. And because of its direct contact on the soil makes it dangerous and harmful to the health. The change in the surrounding of the peanut produces fungus which releases a toxic substance called “aflatoxin”. This substance is considered as a cancer-causing agent that usually attacks the liver.

• Potatoes

Potatoes contains natural toxin called “glycoalkaloids”. A high level of this toxin is usually found in green potatoes (potatoes that are exposed to UV light), potato sprouts, a lot of bruising and potatoes with bitter taste. Glycoalkaloids can cause severe stomachache and even death, in rare cases, and it's not destroyed by cooking. You can enjoy potatoes safely by avoiding any sprouts, green or damaged parts, or bitter-tasting portions.

• Rhubarb

Rhubarb is considered as a wonderful plant. It contains a naturally occurring oxalic acid. The levels differ depending on the age of the plant, climate, season and the type of soil. Oxalic acid poisoning can cause muscle twitching, cramps, decreased breathing and heart action, vomiting, pain, headache, convulsions and coma.

• Kidney Beans

Eating just four to five raw kidney beans can cause severe stomachache, diarrhea and vomiting because of toxins called lectins. These toxins can also disrupt cellular metabolism. To get rid of the toxin, soak raw beans for at least five hour, and then boil them for at least 10 minutes.