Your initial reaction when you hear or think of the word cholesterol is that it’s bad for your health. It is true up to some extent but you’re not getting the entire picture.
The truth of the matter is that your body contains and needs cholesterol whether or not you eat foods rich in it. Your body needs this form of fat (called a lipid) in building up cell membranes, producing some hormones and vitamin D.
What then makes cholesterol so bad? Cholesterol only becomes bad for your health when you have excessive amounts of it in your arteries. When you have too much cholesterol, it blocks the normal flow of blood to your brain, among other places. When this happens, you become at risk of having a stroke. And stroke can disable you for life, or worse, kill you.
What Causes an Increase in Your Cholesterol Level?
Several things come into play when it comes to your cholesterol level. It includes the food that you eat, the kind of lifestyle you have and your genetics.
Your cholesterol level rises when you eat foods that are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Also, if you are not physically active, then you are more likely to have a high cholesterol level as well. And finally, if any or both of your parents have high cholesterol, then you become genetically predisposed to have that trait as well.
These things can make you prone to having high cholesterol which also puts you at greater risk of suffering from stroke or heart problems.
How Vegetables can Reduce Your Cholesterol Levels
Sure there are already many medications that could help stabilize your cholesterol level. However, they could cost you a lot of money in the long run. Ask for your doctor’s advice and he/she could advise you to change your diet by adding vegetables in your menu.
Vegetables can help reduce your cholesterol levels in several ways.
You probably know that vegetables are good sources of fiber which can aid your bowel movement. But more than just curing constipation, fiber found in vegetables – soluble fiber to be exact – can help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your body. Green leafy vegetables such as cabbage, as well as carrots and sweet potatoes provide you with a good amount of soluble fiber.
Here’s the part that’s supposedly easy to understand but people tend not to follow. The thing is that when you switch your diet from eating fatty and cholesterol-rich foods to eating vegetables, your cholesterol level is sure to go down.
Why? Simply because vegetables contain no cholesterol. By eating vegetables, you don’t just get rid of cholesterol that’s already in your system, you also don’t add any more cholesterol.
So, try introducing more vegetables to your diet. You’re sure to live healthier and longer. And don’t forget to exercise regularly and watch your weight.