High Blood Cholesterol is responsible for causing Heart Disease and several deaths around the world every year. Adults age 20 and older are recommended to test their blood cholesterol levels regularly to become aware of any possible indications of unmanaged cholesterol levels. It has been known for several years that blood cholesterol levels can be caused by family history, unhealthy diets, overweight and lack of physical activity.
Vegetarians are less likely to develop high blood cholesterol than non vegetarians. This is due to two main reasons. First because once a vegetarian, the individual tends to be more concerned for his/her health in general, caring more about monitoring general health and ensuring to have moderated to high exercise activity. The other reason is answered by two words "proper nutrition" (a vegetarian cholesterol lowering diet). Keep in mind that cholesterol is only found in animal foods and especially abundant eggs, dairy and organ meats. A cholesterol diet, the vegetarian way is the safest way to bring and keep down those numbers.
By simply not consuming animal related products, vegetarians already pose a health advantage over non-vegetarians, while keeping proper cholesterol levels. This does not mean that you have to become vegetarian to manage your cholesterol, but you can surely use a cholesterol lowing diet based on the vegetarian nutrition, which will guarantee dramatic cholesterol lowering results.
The key to create your low cholesterol diet plan by consuming more plants, grains and fruits, avoiding high intake of "Bad" cholesterol and often taking higher levels of the "Good" cholesterol. The cholesterol lowering diet is automatic once the vegetarian lifestyle is adopted, since even high-fat plants such as nuts, seeds, avocados and olives are totally "bad" cholesterol free. Lacto-Ovo may have "some" cholesterol when their diets are high in eggs and dairy products, but they still intake much less cholesterol than non vegetarians. Vegan diets however, are completely cholesterol free.
The power of the cholesterol lowering diet (recommendations)
If the cause is not hereditary, high blood cholesterol may be the one of the easiest diseases to prevent and/or manage. By just increasing the intake of fiber, and reducing the intake of red meats, pork (we recommend totally avoiding meats, for quicker results), fried foods, saturated and trans fats (commonly found in butter and dairy) you will experience noticeable drop on your cholesterol levels.
- Dairy products often have high levels of cholesterol, choose non fat cow's milk, light cheese and eggs (specially fried)
- Increase your intake of dietary fibers commonly found in whole wheat, cereals, oats etc
- Attempt to increase your levels of "good" cholesterol by consuming aliments which can provide this nutrition such as avocado
- Use dried peas or beans and brown rice, cook dehydrated potatoes and related
- Stay active, half hour to an hour of daily exercise will add to burning unhealthy fats, cutting weight and strengthen your heart
- By following a carefully planned diet that reduces or eliminates animal related foods, a dramatic decrease of bad cholesterol can be achieved.
Whether you are a full or part time vegetarian, having a lowering cholesterol diet based on plants, grains, nuts and fruits will greatly improve health overall. There is nothing better than having a healthy meal, which contributes to less contamination of the body and many days, weeks, months and years added to our lives.
Vegetarianism is right for everyone; there is not a single fact that can dispute the great advantage vegetarians have over non-vegetarians while preventing and managing health issues. There is nothing you can't find on meatless meals, the variety and taste will surprise anyone, at any time. Use this community as your allied to create your diet to lower cholesterol.
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