STAY AWAY FROM THESE FOODS TO AVOID BAD CHOLESTEROL

For decades, people have been avoiding cholesterol-laden foods to reduce fat in their bodies. So what is bad cholesterol? LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is called “bad” cholesterol, and it makes up most of the body’s cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can raise the risk for heart disease and stroke. For healthy living, one should either avoid or limit food with high cholesterol levels. It is recommended to replace saturated and Trans fat foods with fresh food, vegetables, and fruits. 

Fast Food 

Fast food increases the chances of diabetes, obesity, and heart diseases. People who like to indulge in fast foods tend to suffer from more health issues. Fried chicken, chips, and pizza can increase the bad cholesterol in the body. It’s better to reduce the consumption of the same.

Though many may avoid fast food, people often cannot resist the crispy and oily fried items whenever they are out. According to research, it contains a high amount of bad cholesterol and trans fat, leading to heart-related diseases and obesity. It’s better to avoid deep-fried items like French fries, cheese sticks, and similar ones.

Sugars

Consuming a limited amount of sugar is considered good, and it helps to stay active and strong. But such sugar should come from natural sources like fruits. Cutting down on ice creams, baked products, pastries, and cakes are desirable to keep the bad cholesterol away.

Processed Meat

Processed meat has been linked with diseases like cancer and heart diseases. Processed meat contains harmful chemicals and is generally considered unhealthy. Limit the intake of processed meat, bacon, sausages, and hot dogs to stay away from bad cholesterol. 

Ayurveda in Cholesterol Management

Ayurveda has a different view on cholesterol compared to Western medicine. Ayurveda considers cholesterol as supporting and lubricating the body’s many circulatory channels, shrotas. Shrotas are circulatory channels of the body. Larger shrotas like arteries and veins carry blood from the heart while micro-shrotas carry nutrients to the cells and waste from the cells.

According to Ayurveda, cholesterol becomes harmful when Ama is present in the body. Excessive accumulated Ama, when mixed with fat tissue, damage shrotas and create health issues like cholesterol, hypertension, and heart diseases. 

According to Ayurveda, diet is central to one’s good health. Hence, the ayurvedic treatments for cholesterol improve the diet, which keeps the liver healthy while balancing the fat metabolism in the body. 

Ayurvedic treatments for cholesterol include meditation, yoga, and massages to detoxify the body. Going for a panchakarma program can help regulate cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

In Ayurveda, when too much salt and sugar are included in the diet, it can give rise to Kapha dosha. To balance it, you can use lentils, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, apples, and pears to reduce bad cholesterol. Bitter food, leafy greens, and whole grains like oats and quinoa improve fat metabolism in the body.

Guggul and Arjuna are used in Ayurveda to manage cholesterol. Herbs like Shilajit, Vrikshamla, Haritaki, too, are considered to lower blood pressure. 

However, besides reducing cholesterol, the above herbs have individual health benefits.

You can personalize your Ayurvedic treatment by consulting an Ayurvedic physician.