1. Red yeast rice
Yeast rice contains monacolin K, a compound found in lovastatin. This compound helps to block the liver from creating the cholesterol needed to protect your cells and as a result of this, the liver turns on its LDL receptor to help pull bad cholesterol out of the blood. The red yeast rice is available in pill form and studies have shown it to be effective.
2. Tofu
Tofu and other soy products have been found to reduce LDL cholesterol and also have no effect on breast cancer tumors. It contains phytosterols and is a low-cholesterol protein that contains all eight essential amino acids. It is also known to be a rich source of iron and calcium and some trace minerals, all of which helps to improve the health.
3. Pectin
Pectin is a form of soluble fiber that has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol by 7 to 10 percent as it draws water from the digestive tract and forms a gel to help slow digestion. In the process of slowing down digestion, it binds up cholesterol in the diet before it gets absorbed.
You can find pectin in the bitter white rind on oranges or in apples. You can also find them in the form of supplements in drugstores.
4. Sleep
Cholesterol metabolism occurs at night, which is one of the reasons why sleeping is encouraged. It is generally recommended to sleep not less than 6 hours and not more than 9 hours daily, as too much or too little sleep can disrupt the body’s processing of the fats and sugars eaten throughout the day, which can take a toll on the health and cause a spike in cholesterol levels. Getting enough and adequate sleep will boost your energy and help you make healthy decisions through the day, which can affect your health positively.
Keeping your cholesterol level in check will help to reduce your risk for diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
Image Courtesy of: ozonetherapymalaysia.com, img.allw.mn
