Hypercholesterolemia refers to a medical condition in which a patient suffers from high cholesterol levels in the blood. The condition can be caused by different factors and diseases such as anorexia nervosa, hypothyroidism, kidney disease and diabetes mellitus. In order to prevent the complications of hypercholesterolemia, a change in diet is necessary. Featured below is a list of foods that help to lower cholesterol.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is rich in soluble fiber, which is very important to treat or prevent hypercholesterolemia. Aside from this, it is also essential to decrease the LDL or low density lipoprotein. According to studies, soluble fiber decreases the level of cholesterol in the blood. If you cannot find oatmeal, you can always include other foods in your diet such as barley, apples, prunes and beans.

Walnuts

Walnuts are very helpful in the functioning of blood vessels. Based on a report released by the Food and Drug Administration, eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts a day can prevent the development of different heart diseases. Other foods that have the same nutritional value with walnuts are almonds, pine nuts, pecans and pistachio nuts.

Fish

If you are having problems with lowering your blood cholesterol level, it is important that you include fish in your daily diet. The seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lessen the level of blood cholesterol. Some marine species that are rich in these acids are albacore tuna, lake trout, sardines as well as salmon.

Orange

To lower the blood cholesterol level, it is important that you add orange in your daily diet. Oranges have vitamin C and anti-oxidants, which are very helpful to lessen the cholesterol level in the blood. Aside from orange, other fruits that have anti oxidants and vitamin C are cantaloupe, strawberry and papaya.

Soybean

Soybean is one of the most popular species of legume, which originated in the different parts of East Asia. Some of the nutrients that you can get if you eat soybean are dietary fiber, vitamin C and polyunsaturated fats. These vitamins and nutrients are proven by most medical experts to improve the health conditions of patients suffering from hypercholesterolemia.

Herbs

Most medical experts agree that herbs are helpful in preventing hypercholesterolemia. Some of the essential and nutritious herbs that you can include in your dishes if you like to lower your blood cholesterol level are cumin, coriander, oregano, thyme, basil, cilantro and parsley. Instead of using food flavoring or additives, substitute the flavoring with the mentioned herbs.

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