Good VS Bad Drinks for Cholesterol Control

Good VS Bad Drinks for Cholesterol Control

If our bodies lack cholesterol, red blood cells may have a shorter lifespan, leading to anemia and an increased risk of hemorrhagic diseases.

Conversely, high cholesterol levels can form deposits on artery walls, causing atherosclerosis.

Therefore, maintaining an appropriate cholesterol level is paramount.

Today, we'd like to provide information on beverages that help regulate cholesterol levels and those that should be avoided.

△ Oat Beverages

Oats contain beta-glucan, which helps reduce cholesterol absorption.

Consuming oats in liquid form, such as oat milk, can be more effective in lowering cholesterol levels than solid oat products.

△ Green Tea

Green tea contains catechins and other antioxidants known to help lower total cholesterol and ‘bad cholesterol’ (LDL).

In experiments with mice, those fed a high-cholesterol diet and given water containing catechins and epigallocatechin gallate from green tea showed reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels, confirming its effectiveness.

△ Tomato Juice

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which helps improve lipid levels and lower ‘bad cholesterol’ (LDL). They are also abundant in fiber and niacin, which contribute to lowering cholesterol, and research supports these findings.

△ Soy Milk

Soybeans are low in saturated fat, so drinking soy milk instead of cream or high-fat milk can help lower or control cholesterol levels.

△ Berry Smoothies

Most berries are rich in antioxidants and fiber, both of which can help lower cholesterol levels.

Specifically, anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants found in berries, contribute to improving cholesterol levels.

△ Cocoa Beverages

Cocoa, the main ingredient in dark chocolate, contains antioxidants called flavanols that help improve cholesterol levels. The high content of monounsaturated fatty acids in cocoa can also contribute to better cholesterol levels.

However, processed chocolate drinks often contain a lot of saturated fat, so it's best to drink pure cocoa beverages.

※ Beverages to Avoid

To improve or maintain healthy cholesterol levels, it's important to avoid beverages high in saturated fat. These include coffee or tea with cream or high-fat milk, drinks containing coconut oil or palm oil, beverages with ice cream, and high-fat dairy products.

It's also advisable to reduce sugary drinks and snacks.

Source: Kormedi.com