When you're in the mood for a snack, do you automatically reach for foods like donuts and chips? Many foods that we choose to snack on are not the healthiest options, but we grab them because they are quick and easy. There are healthy options you can grab and go with too. Not only are these healthier options tasty, but they also promise to help lower your cholesterol.
Nuts and Seeds
There are many seeds and nuts available to you that can provide you with health benefits, such as lowering your cholesterol.
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Pistachios
- Almonds
- Pine nuts
- Plant sterols
Although all of these seeds and nuts have great health benefits, it is important not to overdo it. Too many servings of seeds and nuts can actually have an unhealthy effect as they are very calorie dense. Be sure to include these in your diet, but do so in moderation.
Fruity Treats
Apples and grapefruits are great for lowering your cholesterol and taste delicious too. the skin of apples alone can provide positive health benefits such as the prevention of plaque buildup and slowing down LDL cholesterol.
Grapefruits, especially the pink and red grapefruits, are great for LDL as well. If you like a bitter sweet taste then this could be the fruit for you. However, Grapefruits also have the capability of interfering with medicines. If you are on medications that help cope with calcium channel blockers and statins, try to stay away from consuming too many grapefruits.
Heart Healthy Oat Bran
Although the name may deter you from consuming oat bran, you may want to reconsider. Oat bran is actually a cholesterol-lowering dietary constituent. The fiber that can be found in oat bran helps your body prevent the absorption of cholesterol. It has also been suggested that incorporating oat bran into your diet can even prevent your white bloods cells from sticking to your artery walls. The prevention of sticky white blood cells is a crucial factor in preventing the formation of plaque which can lead to much more serious health consequences.
Now that you know these heart healthy and yummy snacks, maybe you will rethink reaching for that donut and grab one of these healthy treats instead!
