Research suggests that water-soluble dietary fiber is very important in reducing serum cholesterol. It is found in barley, beans, brown rice, fruits, glucomannan, guar gum, and oats. Oat bran and brown rice bran are the best foods for lowering cholesterol. Since fiber absorbs the minerals from the food it is in, take extra minerals separate from the fiber.
Meat and dairy products are the primary offenders because they contain high levels of cholesterol. Coffee, stress, and sustained tension also raise the serum cholesterol. Alcohol, steroids, oral contraceptives, Lasix and other diuretics, and L-Dopa (prescribed for Parkinson’s disease) are a few of the many drugs that elevate blood cholesterol.
No salt, heated fats or supermarket oils should be eaten. Reduce eating red meat, animal products, non dairy creamers, processed or refined foods, white bread, coffee, tea, alcohol, or tobacco. Reduce the amount of fats in your diet, making sure to take in plenty of fiber in the form of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A good all-around exercise program is important!
Studies reveal that Third World diets, which consist of grains, fruits, and vegetables, yield lower blood cholesterol. In the United States, Finland, and Norway, where people indulge heavily in dairy products and meat, extremely high rates of heart and circulatory disease are present. Even the children in these nations show progressive vascular disease due to hypercholesterolemia (an excess of cholesterol in the blood).
Cream substitutes (nondairy cream), unfortunately, are poor alternatives to cholesterol-heavy dairy products. Many contain coconut oil, which is a highly saturated fat. Soy or almond milk is preferred.
Pure virgin olive oil helps reduce serum cholesterol.
